Author: Lisa Fraisse

The European jury for the selection of the winning city for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2028 made its decision this evening, and we would like to congratulate the city of Bourges on its designation. This choice confirms a development project for a medium-sized city through culture.

Along with Sète, the Occitanie region, the Hérault department, the communities of communes of Pays de Lunel, Grand Pic Saint-Loup, Vallée de l’Hérault, Terre de Camargue, the Hérault Méditerranée and Pays de l’Or agglomerations, Montpellier has embarked on an unprecedented adventure: applying for the title of European Capital of Culture.

For two years, with heart, enthusiasm and conviction, we worked together to make a real case for culture. We have brought together numerous partners, economic, educational and social players, all of whom we would like to thank warmly today. From the initial nine cities involved in the process, we have now reached the final alongside three (Bourges, Clermont-Ferrand and Rouen) who, like us, have made a firm choice in favor of culture.

As the French Minister of Culture pointed out during her visit, we were, in a way, already the European Capital of Culture.

We’re keeping in mind that this bid has brought us a great deal. Since 2022, 85 cultural projects have been designated as Montpellier 2028 winners, representing over 200 events, most of them free of charge, organized throughout the region for all its residents. It has also been a formidable project gas pedal, with our involvement in numerous European networks and the emergence of cooperative ventures with many European cities. But also in our way of building cultural policies, more inclusive, more participative with citizens.

What’s more, the collective governance to which we are committed is undeniably an asset. This dynamic must and will continue. We are going to pursue it in the spirit of cooperation that was born on a regional scale via the association that brings us together. We are more united than ever for culture.

See you in the weeks to come as we continue to share our imaginations.

“In any case, this candidacy is a victory for a more peaceful region and for an asserted cultural ambition for today and the years to come. The promise of new projects for the future. Michaël DELAFOSSE, Mayor of Montpellier and President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.

The major challenges at stake in Montpellier’s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2028 were unveiled at the Maison des Relations Internationales Nelson Mandela in Montpellier. Michaël Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier and President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, François Commeinhes, Mayor of Sète and President of Sète Agglopôle Méditerranée, Claire Fita, Vice-President of Montpellier 2028 and Vice-President of the Conseil Régional d’Occitanie, and Zita Chelvi-Sandin, Conseiller départementale de l’Hérault, addressed key European issues, as well as territorial cooperation and mobility.

It was also an opportunity to discuss Montpellier 2028’s artistic program, based around its 3 artistic axes: Les Chemins du vivant, La Fabrique des futurs, Trans! with a focus on the role of culture as an essential factor in connection and inclusion, and as a lever for transformation, in the presence of Nicolas Dubourg, Artistic Director of the bid, Sophie Léron, General Manager of the bid, Delphine Maurel, Director of ESAT artistique la Bulle Bleue, and Thierry Verdier, Director of ENSAM (Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Montpellier).

Next, Mathieu Argaud, co-director of the Bipolar agency, and Mélina Chosson presented the “Rassemblez-Lez” project, which, as part of Montpellier 2028, is proposing a laboratory for experimentation around the question of environmental issues, and which has launched a major negotiation between the Lez river and its inhabitants.

Finally, there was a visit to the “Boson Man, particule élémentaire” exhibition by Franco-Ivorian artist Ernest Dükü at the Espace Bagouet, inaugurated as part of the Montpellier Euro-Africa Biennial.

© Alain Scherer

This visit follows Senator Hussein Bourgi’s invitation to the young musicians of the Loustics du Pic brass band to come to the Senate.

An opportunity for 24 young people from the region to discover the Palais du Luxembourg and perform there.

The following day, Montpellier 2028 joined the towns of Sète and Agde at the Fête des Vendanges in Montmartre for a festive and convivial event.

In the heart of the Arènes de Montmartre, the issues at stake in Montpellier’s 2028 bid were presented, and the Loustics du Pic delighted the large audience who turned out to hear them play on the heights of the capital, before giving way to the tunes of Brassens and Manitas de Plata.

With the participation of :

– Sophie Léron, General Manager of Montpellier 2028

– Eric Penso, Vice-president of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole in charge of Culture and Historical Heritage

– Christophe Durand, Vice-Chairman of Sète Agglopôle, responsible for cultural outreach and the development of artistic education in community facilities, public reading and live performance.

– Joliette Coste, Deputy Manager of the Attractive City of Sète, responsible for Tourism and the Cruise Club

The trip was made possible thanks to the support of Lidl France.

Montpellier 2028 has teamed up with SNCF Gares & Connexions to showcase a selection of projects by local artists and cultural players. A number of artistic projects emblematic of the bid will be showcased in 5 stations across the region, through customized scenographies designed by SNCF Gares & Connexions teams.

Visit Montpellier, Sète, Lunel, Frontignan and Vic-Mireval stations to discover these unique installations.

This partnership between Montpellier 2028 and SNCF Gares & Connexions is intended to be a long-term one, extending beyond the region to the national and European level if Montpellier is chosen to become European Capital of Culture in 2028, alongside Budweis (Czech Republic) and Skopje (Macedonia).

OCTOBER 15 TO DECEMBER 31, 2023

Sète station, Aliki Christoforou “Perspectives submergées”; Charles Thiefaine “Z”, as part of the CIVIS MARITIMUS program: “Tous citoyens des mers” (“All citizens of the seas”) supported by Eyes Wide Open.
Lunel station, Ador & Mara “Navache!”, Elisa Capdevila and Zoer, restitution of two frescoes created around the theme of water, as part of the “Contre Courant – Art & Exploration Urbaine” program supported by LineUP, the city and the Lunel region.
Frontignan and Vic-Mireval railway stations, “Inside Out” created by photographer JR, a series of portraits of committed local citizens, as part of the “Transborder” program supported by AFIVAM.

FROM NOVEMBER 02 TO DECEMBER 15, 2023

Gare de Montpellier Saint-Roch, Barthélémy Toguo, series of etchings entitled “Wouri, Donga, Sanaga…”, named after the rivers of Cameroon; GraphiMs, a festival organized by La Fenêtre and the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole media library network. A series exploring the relationship between transport and graphic design.

→ watch the video

SNCF Gares & Connexions specializes in stations, from design to operation and marketing. Born of the conviction that stations are living places in their own right, it enriches these “urban villages” to help spread culture to all publics. Every year, nearly 300 exhibitions, interventions and artistic events are custom-designed for stations throughout France, in partnership with leading institutions.

Montpellier 2028 celebrates cooperation between Europe and Africa!

The relationship between Europe and Africa is a key aspect of the Montpellier 2028 bid, as demonstrated by this 1st edition of the Euro-Africa Montpellier Biennial.

October 9 to 15, Montpellier and its inhabitants vibrated to the rhythm of Africa and celebrated its cultural riches through a constellation of national and international events. Participative balls, conferences, concerts, creations, exhibitions, animations – aimed at promoting existing and future cooperation between Montpellier and the African continent, and transforming the way we look at the reality of current African cultures, particularly in the field of Creative Cultural Industries.

On October 9 and 10, European and African academics and researchers met at the Euro-Africa Water Days conference organized by the Icireward center.

→ program
→ press kit for the First Euro-Africa Montpellier Biennial

Round table by M28

At the heart of the first Euro-Africa Montpellier Biennial, Montpellier 2028 organized a round-table discussion on Monday October 9 at the Maison des relations internationales on the European Commission’s strategy for cultural policies with the African continent.

An opportunity to exchange views with a panel of speakers on the role of culture in the development of cities, and on the European Commission’s support for the “African Capital of Culture” initiative led by UCLG.

Montpellier 2028 has announced that it will be joining the designated Capital in November to share their experiences.

→ available on replay

Speakers:
Virginie Ehonian. Moderator.
Sophie Léron. General Manager of Montpellier 2028.
Adja Mariam Mahre Soro. Director, screenwriter, producer and author of comics and animation.
Giorgio Ficcarelli. Head of Section, Culture and Intercultural Dialogue, DG INTPA, European Commission.
Jacques Jonathan Nyemb. Lawyer and founder of “The Okwelians” Think Tank in social innovation.innovation sociale « The Okwelians ».
Sophie Renaud. Director of Cooperation and Society Dialogue, Institut français.
Bamba Ould Daramane. Mayor of the commune of Rosso (Mauritania).

Following the signing of Eurocities’ “Call to Action” by the Montpellier Metropolis advocating for a decarbonized and more inclusive culture, we continue our commitment to the European network by participating in the Culture Forum held on the 12th and 13th of October in the city of Birmingham.

This is an opportunity for Montpellier to engage in discussions alongside other Eurocities members regarding the role of culture in city development policies, both socially and economically, with a particular focus on citizen participation and diversity considerations. These exchanges and field visit s provide valuable insights for the Montpellier 2028 teams in the context of our bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2028.

19 h 00

Thursday October 19 at 7pm at MO.CO. Montpellier Contemporain Panacée

Organized as part of Montpellier 2028 and Les Jeudis MO.CO. Panacée, in partnership with Midi Libre

Recent news about Artificial Intelligence shows that artistic production is likely to be impacted by these new technological advances.

New artists are already fully committed to the path of artistic production via Artificial Intelligence, as in the case of Thibaud Zamora, a Montpellier-based video game artist who has become an “A.I Artist”.

Beyond artistic production, Artificial Intelligence enables us to reinvent our relationship with mediation, citizen participation and inclusion, notably by offering new digital mediation experiences and generating new possibilities for inclusion – key issues for Montpellier 2028.

Speakers at the round table:

Vincent Martin (Host) – Director and creator of La Courbe verte core/paragraph
Thibaud Zamora – AI artist – Former Montpellier-based developer of successful video games
Thibaud Zamora – AI artist – Former Montpellier-based developer of successful video games
Agnès Robin – Lecturer at the University of Montpellier, Director of the “Intellectual Property and Digital Law” Master’s program, Deputy Director of the Innovation Communication and Market Laboratory (LICeM)
Patrice Cervellin – Lecturer at the Université Paul-Valéry – Montpellier, teacher-researcher in visual arts in the “Video Games” Master’s program.
Marion Carré – Founder of the start-up Ask Mona

→ watch the replay

Free admission subject to availability

10 h 30

Let’s celebrate the European Heritage Days together!
The European Heritage Days are an opportunity to visit unique heritage sites throughout France. Two themes will be highlighted this year: living heritage and sports heritage.

Come and meet the Montpellier 2028 team and try to win an Interrail Pass on Saturday September 16 at one of the following venues:

Angelotti Olympic pool
Presence of the M28 team: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Olympic swimming pool opens its doors to celebrate its sporting heritage. To mark the occasion, a show by Le Cour Florent, “Nage libre”, will be presented on Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 3pm.

Hôtel de Varennes
M28 team presence: from 12:00 to 13:00
Take an “80-minute tour of Montpellier” by (re)visiting the Hôtel de Varennes and the Musée du Vieux Montpellier, with guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 am.

Arc de Triomphe
M28 team presence: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Discover the Arc de Triomphe from a rare angle – from the inside! An opportunity to climb the monument and see Montpellier from above.

Carré Sainte-Anne
M28 team presence: from 3.15pm to 4.00pm
An exceptional opening of the Sainte-Anne church during its renovation will take place throughout the weekend. In connection with the living heritage, the know-how of the stonemasons will be showcased.

Hôtel d’Aurès
M28 team presence: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Montpellier’s former conservatory, Hôtel d’Aurès, now home to Montpellier’s Pôle Culture et Patrimoine and Montpellier 2028, is open to the public. A baroque concert with Les Ombres will be performed there, on Saturday at 6:00 pm, as well as an object and clown theater show with Cie Le Septième Point, on Sunday at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Click here for the full program of the JEP in Montpellier

Find out how to win an Interrail Pass here

An Interrail Pass is an opportunity to travel by train in 33 European countries, for 7 days over a maximum period of 1 month! To win your Interrail Pass by drawing lots, come and meet us at the following events:

Montpellier 2028 celebrates the start of the new school year at the Antigone des associations!

On Sunday September 10, the city of Montpellier organizes the Antigone des associations in the Antigone district, an annual event where almost 900 sports, cultural and community associations are present. It’s a great opportunity to make new discoveries and find out more about our local community life.

Join us at the culture stand, place de Théssalie, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for your chance to win an Interrail Pass!

Click here for photo contest rules.

Montpellier 2028 celebrates the European Heritage Days!

Saturday, September 16, during the European Heritage Days, organized by the Metropole of Montpellier, which are an opportunity to visit unique heritage sites throughout the region.

Come and meet us at some of Montpellier’s most emblematic sites, and take part in our photo competition!

– 10:30 am to 11:30 am at Place Dionysos (Olympic pool/Médiathèque Emile Zola)

– 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Hôtel de Varenne

– 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Arc de Triomphe

– 3.15pm to 4pm at Carré Sainte-Anne

– 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Hôtel d’Aurès

Click here for photo contest rules.

Montpellier 2028 celebrates back-to-school with Paul Valéry University!

On Tuesday September 19, the Université Paul Valéry celebrates the start of the new academic year with its students. On the Don’t Panic program: entertainment, information, fitness, DJ set, food truck, student associations…

An opportunity for students to win an Interrail Pass, on the Paul Valéry university campus from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm!

Click here for photo contest rules.


How to enter our photo competitions?

1. Come and meet us at one of our events.

2. Photograph yourself with one of our photo frames in support of the Montpellier 2028 bid.

3. Post your best photos on your Instagram account, tagging @montpellier2028, with the hashtags #montpellier2028 and the various events.

Each time, a draw will be held to determine the winner. More information in the rules above.

Michaël Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier, President of the Métropole de Montpellier, Sophie Léron, General Manager of Montpellier 2028 and Thomas Corolleur, International Relations Manager of Montpellier 2028 traveled to Helsinki and Oulu as part of Montpellier 2028’s application for the title of European Capital of Culture.

3 intense days of meetings and exchanges with Finnish counterparts to better understand their cultural strategies and explore collaborations. Officially welcomed at the French Embassy by her excellency Agnès Cukierman, the Mayor of Montpellier and his team then travelled up North, where Oulu will be in 2026, European Capital of Culture. Oulu’s mayor, Seppo Määttä, along with the team of Oulu 2026 – Piia Rantala-Korhonen, Henri Turunen – spent some valuable time showing and explaining how the city will be showcasing their cultural program, with a participatory approach and special focus on climate change issues. The two cities found common ground for future projects, like the Delta Life initiative supervised by Pia Alatorvinen, Director of Oulu August Festivals.

In Helsinki, the team of Montpellier 2028 toured major cultural landmarks and exchanged with key cultural players of the city: Anna-Maria Soininvaara, director of the Helsinki Central Library Oodi, Reetta Heiskanen, in charge of the Helsinki City Museum and Arja Miller, director of the Helsinki Art Museum and Helsinki Biennale. Montpellier 2028 even had the chance to meet Julia Ojanen who runs the Villa Karo, a finnish residency program in Benin.

Another opportunity to reaffirm Montpellier’s strong stand on European and African Cultural Collaborations.

10:30

It is in Avignon, the land of France’s largest live performance festival, that Montpellier, candidate city for the title of European Capital of Culture 2028, invited cultural and institutional actors for a day rich in exchanges and debates.

The event provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges of artist mobility, with the presence of Salia Sanou from Mouvements Perpétuels & La Termitière Company, Marie Le Sourd from “On the Move” Network, Gaelle Massicot Bitty from the French Institute, and Malgorzata Szlendak from the European Commission. Through their testimonies and experiences, they were able to provide a concrete mapping of the current situation and envision new perspectives crucial to cultural endeavors.

The concepts of the candidacy – Act, Connect, Celebrate – were presented along with the three artistic themes – water that connect us, serial future, trans? – that shape Montpellier 2028’s programming and try to address contemporary challenges, like youth participation, inclusion of artists from diverse origins and backgrounds. Adèle Charvet, President of the Montpellier 2028 Association, Nicolas Dubourg, Artistic Director of the candidacy, Sophie Léron, General Director of the candidacy, and members of the Montpellier 2028 Board of Directors, along with Michaël Delafosse, Mayor of the City of Montpellier and President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, Sophie Bejean, Regional Rector of Occitanie and Rector of the Academy of Montpellier, Chancellor of the Universities, Vincent Cavaroc, Director of Tropisme, and Eric Servat, Director of the UNESCO Center, then announced the first edition of the Euro-Africa Biennial in Montpellier, which will take place from October 9th to 15th, 2023, another occasion to build connections and friendship between the two continents.

To conclude, Jérôme Hoffmann offered our guests a suspended moment with a captivating performance centered around the sounds of water, followed by a friendly cocktail inspired by the colors and flavors of the Mediterranean region and Sète’s rich culinary heritage.

Michaël Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier, President of the Montpellier Métropole, Clare Hart, Vice-President of the Montpellier Métropole, Nicolas Dubourg, Artistic Director of Montpellier 2028, and Sophie Léron, Strategic Director of Montpellier 2028, traveled to Brussels for 2 days of meetings as part of Montpellier 2028‘s bid for the title of European Capital of Culture.

The program was filled with exchanges, including meetings with the IETM Network (International network for contemporary performing arts), the Office of the Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, Culture Action Europe network, André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities, and Julie Hervé, Culture Manager, and Georg Haeusler, Director of Culture, Creativity, and Sports of the European Commission.

It was also an opportunity to introduce Montpellier 2028’s candidacy to the European Parliament, with the presence of Irène Tolleret, Member of the European Parliament.

On Thursday June 29, 2023, Michaël DELAFOSSE, Mayor of Montpellier and President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, and Max PONSEILLÉ, CEO of the OC Santé Group, Treasurer of the M28 Association and President of the Montpellier 2028 Benefactors College, met with the benefactors of the Montpellier 2028 European Capital of Culture bid. They signed sponsorship agreements and presented plaques to the 39 benefactors of the bid.

Following Montpellier 2028’s qualification as one of the four finalists for the title of European Capital of Culture 2028, 39 companies decided to commit to the bid and join the college of benefactors chaired by Max Ponseillé. his support testifies to the importance of our approach for the region, and reinforces the momentum behind it.

Benefactors support takes the form of a cash donation to the Montpellier 2028 European Capital of Culture Bid, to help develop the bid’s activities.

Find out more about benefactors: Soutiens-des-mecenes-Montpellier-2028.pdf (montpellier2028.eu)

Extraordinary General Meeting and Board of Directors of the Montpellier 2028 Association: an enriched and assertive territory for the final phase of the bid.

The local authorities and all the partners of the “Montpellier 2028 – Montpellier european capital of culture” association met on Thursday June 29 at the headquarters of the Communauté de Communes Terre de Camargue for a meeting of the Board of Directors and an Extraordinary General Meeting.

The members of the association unanimously approved the membership of the Communauté d’Agglomération du Pays de l’Or, made up of 8 communes (50,000 inhabitants) and chaired by Stéphan Rossignol, Mayor of La Grande-Motte, represented for the occasion by Christian Quesque, Vice-President. This new entry completes the official territory of the bid, which now includes the entire coastline from Aigues-Mortes to Agde. Through 8 inter-municipalities, 154 communes and over 900,000 inhabitants are involved in this collective dynamic aimed at making this large catchment area the European Capital of Culture in 2028.

These sessions also provided an opportunity to collectively address fundamental issues related to the bid. In particular, the question of mobility was the subject of a rich and sustained discussion between the various local authorities and the Region, the organizing authority for transport.

Founding members, associate members and invited members once again demonstrated their enthusiasm and renewed their support for the final stretch of the bid.

Robert Crauste, President of the Communauté de communes Terre de Camargue, invited everyone to a convivial moment at the Phare de l’Espiguette in Le Grau-du-Roi. Just renovated and open to the public, this lighthouse in the heart of a remarkable, protected area is a symbol of the rich, exceptional natural heritage of the Pointe de l’Espiguette, and an integral part of the dune landscape of the Gard coastline and resists, unchanging, the assaults of wind, water and sand.

10 h 00

Come and meet us at stand M28 at the first edition of ZEST, taking place this Sunday, June 25, in the Croix d’Argent district!

Inspired by the model of the Temporary Artistic Zone (ZAT), the City of Montpellier is organizing a major sporting and festive event on Sunday June 25 in the heart of the Croix d’Argent district, entitled ZEST: Zone d’Evénementiel Sportif Temporaire. The aim is to bring together Montpellier’s sporting community in a single location, promoting the city’s recently inaugurated sports facilities as well as those that will benefit from new developments.

To mark the occasion, take part in our “Europe by train” photo competition and win an Interrail pass!

How to enter?

1. Come and meet us at ZEST stand M28.

2. Take a photo of yourself with one of our photo frames in support of the Montpellier 2028 bid.

3. Post your best photos on your Instagram account, tagging @montpellier2028, with the hashtags #montpellier2028 #ZEST2023 before 11:59pm on June 25, 2023.

A draw will be held to select the winner.

Find the rules of the competition here.

For your entry to be taken into account, your account must be public for the duration of the game!

Good luck to you all!

16 h 00

Let’s celebrate the European Music Festival together!

Since its inception, the Fête de la Musique has been dedicated to celebrating all kinds of music. Whether it’s classical or contemporary music, all genres are welcome to perform in the halls, streets and squares of France. All genres, but also all practices. The Fête de la musique is an event open to professionals and amateurs alike. These values resonate strongly with those espoused by Montpellier 2028.

World Music Day, Fiesta de la musica, a French celebration in Europe and around the world

In 1985, the European Year of Music marked the international expansion of this musical day. 30 years later, the Fête de la musique is exported to 120 countries, not only in Europe, but also in Colombia, Peru, China, Kenya, Canada…

Montpellier and its partners are committed to culture.

A land of hospitality and festivals, Montpellier will be celebrating live music in all its forms.

Discover the Fête de la musique program at the Hôtel d’Aurès, the heart of Montpellier 2028:

Wednesday June 21
4pm-5.15pm
Braquage Sonore & Cie – Sound nap
A sound performance in the sound universe of an “enormous torrent”. A creation based on sound recordings made in the natural environment and on hydraulic structures (the Vinça dam waterfall, locks and electric turbines on the Rhône).
From a peaceful moment at the water’s edge to a sensation of submersion, the drama unfolds until the shattering rise of a flood when all the sound signals go berserk.
Creation 2019 for L’exposition Big Torrent / Bipolar – 73rd Avignon Festival / Chalon dans la rue

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Imperial Quartet – Jazz
Drawing inspiration from the depths of Louisiana, the Imperial Quartet returns on June 10 with a new album, All Indians? a musical odyssey blending Afro-American, Amerindian, Acadian and Creole cultures.
Comprising Antonin Leymarie, Joachim Florent, Damien Sabatier and Gérard Chevillon, this quartet will take you on a musical voyage of discovery!

6.45pm-8pm
Nanasso – Catalan Rumba / Gipsy
Catalan Rumba concert with Nanasso and Les Gipsy Baliardo.
Jean Marc Baliardo is none other than Nanasso Baliardo, a true gipsy icon, nephew of Manitas de Plata and son of the late Hippolyte Baliardo. He will be accompanied by Ricardo Bissière Baliardo on guitar and vocals, and guitarist Paco Solès.

Practical information
Hôtel d’Aurès
14 Rue Eugène Lisbonne, 34000 Montpellier

Credit: Théâtre de la Mer de Sète : Pierre Nocca

15 h 00

A float dedicated to international Prides.

The city of Montpellier has a long tradition of tolerance, hospitality and openness to others. The Montpellier 2023 Pride March is as committed, militant and festive as ever. This year, along with representatives of invited foreign Prides, Montpellier will be marching for those who cannot. For there are still too many countries where people do not live freely and safely because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

The City of Montpellier and Fierté Montpellier Pride have invited Pride representatives from Montpellier’s sister cities – Sherbrooke, Heidelberg, Manchester – from Paris, and from threatened Pride cities – Kiev, Budapest and Istanbul – as well as a representative of the Rainbow Cities Network, to join the Marche des Fiertés Montpellier wishes to reiterate its solidarity with all those leading the fight for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people around the world, and with those forced to live concealing their love or sexuality. This international float will be displaying its pride on June 17 alongside local floats.

16 h 00

Friday, June 16 at 4 p.m. at the Maison des Relations Internationales

This meeting-debate proposes an exploration of the international situation of LGBTQIA+ individuals, between advancements in rights and the persistence of hate and discrimination.

Organized by Montpellier 2028, in partnership with the Maison des relations internationales and the Observatoire des discriminations de Montpellier, it will welcome representatives from six Prides in Europe and North America (Kiev, Istanbul, Budapest, Sherbrooke, Heidelberg, Manchester, Paris). It will be an opportunity to take stock at the international level of the rights and recognition achieved by LGBTQIA+ individuals, but also to raise awareness of the ongoing threats: hate speech, violence, and the resurgence of discriminatory legislation in many countries.

Among those taking part in the debate: Michaël DELAFOSSE, Mayor of Montpellier Mayor of Montpellier, President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, Fatma NAKIB, Deputy Mayor, Delegate for Equality and Women’s Rights, Clare HART, Vice-President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, Déléguée au Rayonnement international et Coopération européenne, Councillor of Montpellier, Matthijs GARDENIER, Scientific Coordinator coordinator of the Montpellier Discrimination Observatory, moderator of the debate.

Michaël Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier, President of the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole and Nicolas Dubourg, Artistic Director of Montpellier 2028 visited Tartu, European capital of culture 2024 at the conference: How borderless is Europe? organized as part of the fourth international Kultuurikompass.

An opportunity to participate in the « Mobility as a driver of creativity » workshop and open up the dialogue between the two cities around the issue of international mobility and European cooperation for cultural initiatives and artistic residencies across Europe.

A trip rich in meetings and exchanges on the mobility of artists and cultural professionals around multiple issues: allowing artists from high-risk areas to be hosted in Europe and to be able to continue their work, sharing experience on residencies “in situ” to promote a better encounter between creators and local populations.

It was also an opportunity to discuss the involvement of local authorities in the construction of a cooperative project for the European Capital of Culture with the people in charge of the Tartu bid, to attend exciting presentations of artistic projects carried out in Germany, Finland or the United States and to forge links with future partners for our Montpellier 2028 artistic projects.

Montpellier-Sète, culture for children

On the occasion of the 19th edition of the European Night of Museums, Montpellier and Sète offer a rich program in their cultural establishments for all audiences.

As part of the City of Montpellier’s policy of developing a city for children, specific cultural activities have been designed for them to enable young Montpellier residents to discover art and culture in a fun and creative way and for families to celebrate the European Night of Museums together.

In the same way, the Museums and the Garden of Sète agglopôle méditerranée invite the public to discover their temporary and permanent collections in a new way. This is an opportunity for everyone to experience the museum in a friendly and fun way, with the following program: open house, night and theatrical tours, musical storytelling…
Find here the program dedicated to the young public within the framework of the European Night of the museums, Saturday May 13, 2023.

Les contes en vadrouille at MO.CO.
6:00 pm > 6:30 pm
MO.CO. MONTPELLIER CONTEMPORAIN
In partnership with the early childhood center of the city of Montpellier, the MO.CO. invites “Les contes en vadrouille” for the European Night of Museums.
The storytellers will offer readings in the exhibition rooms.
Parents and children under 6 years old
Free. Reservations required at reservation@moco.art

Workshops: La table de Valentine
7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm, 10:15 pm
Time : 35 minutes
MUSÉE FABRE
Participants are invited to make an everyday object out of self-hardening clay while experiencing each major sculptural gesture in a serene and meditative atmosphere. But beware, as in a great restaurant, where cutlery has a sometimes obscure use, the audience will have to choose the right tool to use.
From 7 years old
Free. Registration 30 minutes before each session at the museum reception desk (20 people)

Family reading time
7:15 and 7:45 pm
Time : 30 minutes
MUSÉE FABRE
The professionals of the Early Childhood of the City of Montpellier propose to the families times of reading in the rooms of the museum to (re)discover the works in another way.
Two themes are proposed:

• Salle 7 : “Les animaux“, selection of works echoing the works of the Nordic painters presented in the room.
• Salle 39 : « Fleurs et jardin », selection of works echoing the works of the impressionist painters presented in the room.

For children between 2 and 5 years old accompanied by their parents
Free. On registration in the museum hall (20 people)

Family visit : Panique sur l’Olympe
7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:15 pm
Time :1h
LIBRARY JEAN CLAPAREDE DU MUSEE FABRE
After a session of the board game invented by the teams of the museum, the visit continues in the gallery of columns: readings of works on mythology and discovery of paintings are on the program. The history of the Gods, Goddesses and Heroes will no longer hold any secrets for you!
For children between 6 and 10 years old and their parents
Free. Registration 30 minutes before each session at the museum reception desk (16 people)

Family visit : The class, the work !
7pm > 11pm Continuous projection
AUDITORIUM DU MUSEE FABRE ET PETIT SALON FABRE
Discover with your family the projects presented by the students within the framework of “La classe, l’œuvre”, an artistic and cultural education project set up by the Ministry of National Education in partnership with the Ministry of Culture. The main objective is to allow the students to appropriate the common heritage and to participate in its transmission in the form of expression of their choice (texts, photos, plastic productions, dance, performances, theater?)
Theme of the year 2023 at the Fabre Museum “Metamorphoses and hybridizations” around the works: François Girardon, Apollo and Daphne (after Le Bernin, 1690-1710, bronze) – Antoine-Louis Barye, Theseus fighting the Minotaur (1874, bronze)
Parents and children from 3 years old
Free

Dramatized visit : Les Guides contemporains
At 8pm
MUSÉE ETHNOGRAPHIQUE DE L’ETANG DE THAU
Clotilde and Boniface Granjeu, incompetent guides from all eras, offer you to discover the Thau Lagoon Museum as you have never seen it!
A funny and offbeat visit led by the company Art Scène Lutin.
All public
Free on reservation at 04.67.78.33.57 / musee.etang@gglopole.fr

Musical tale : Eros et Psyché
At 8:30 pm
JARDIN ANTIQUE MÉDITERRANÉEN BALARUC-LES-BAINS
A musical tale adapted from “The Golden Ass” by Apuleius (2nd century) where Eros and Psyche are an allegory of the explosive alchemy of human love, of the meeting of feelings and desire, of the alliance of soul and body for better or worse.
Animated by the company l’Oiseau Lyre
From 9 years old
Free on reservation at 04.67.46.47.92 / jam@agglopole.fr

Flash visits: The work of the ancient mosaicist
From 8pm to 11pm continuously
MUSÉE GALLO-ROMAIN VILLA-LOUPIAN
Enlightening glance of the mediator on the techniques of manufacture of the ancient mosaic. At nightfall, discover with a flashlight the shapes and colors of the pavements that decorated the Gallo-Roman villa of Loupian. Continuous tours led by the museum team.
All public
Free access. Information at 04.67.18.68.18 / villaloupian@agglopole.fr

On Wednesday, March 23, the General Assembly and the Board of Directors of the Association “Montpellier 2028 – European Capital of Culture” were held at the Espace Gisèle Halimi in Montpellier.

Located in the heart of the Mosson district, this new 3,000 m² multi-service public facility is open to the residents of the district and aims to provide a multidimensional range of services. It is part of the major urban renewal project of La Mosson, one of the symbols of the action of the City and the Metropolis, which have the ambition to improve the living environment of the inhabitants, to rebalance the city and regain the attractiveness of this district, to facilitate access to employment, the quality of shops or the success of children in public school. A place at the heart of the issues of transformation through culture promoted by the M28 candidacy.

The Espace Gisèle Halimi was thus chosen to host these two assemblies where all the founding members and representatives of the Montpellier 2028 association were present to acknowledge the arrival of a new member within the association: the Communauté de Commune Terre de Camargue. This new member community allows to enlarge the territory of the candidacy which includes 145 municipalities with its three new partners who are : Aigues-Mortes, Le Grau-du-Roi, Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze.

Founding members, associate members and invited members once again showed their enthusiasm, exchanged new ideas and renewed their support for the final stretch of the bid.

Our bidbook is on line! Feel free to look at it, comment on it, share it.

→ Télécharger le dossier de candidature en version FR
→ Télécharger le dossier de candidature en version EN

We are extremely proud that the bid by Montpellier-Sète to become European Capital of Culture has been selected for the second round, as one of four finalists alongside Bourges, Clermont-Ferrand et Rouen. This is magnificent recognition for the work accomplished by the association’s team and all the local authorities involved in this project (Region, Department, City of Montpellier, Metropolis of Montpellier, Ville de Sète and Sète Agglopôle Méditerranée and their partners, representing 142 municipalities in the Hérault). It reflects the dynamic initiated throughout our territory, which has led to an unprecedented number of actors working together, with impact on national and European levels.

The artistic direction presented around the pillars CONNECT, ACT and CELEBRATE and the transversal theme on the issues of water and change were markers for our project, duly validated by the jury.

Montpellier 2028 has made the question of ‘connection’ the epicentre of its artistic strategy, through three components: connection between space and territory; between time and the future; and between each of us. The artistic and cultural projects put forward in the bid and the prospects for urban transformation related to the title of European capital are our strengths, enhanced by the unity and coherence of a delegation which represents the bid’s objectives of working towards a peaceful, equal, young, urban and rural, artistic, international and innovative territory.

From this evening, a new phase begins. All the forces of Montpellier and its partners will be able to accelerate the dynamic initiated and empower our cultural, political, economic and social actors and more widely the inhabitants of the territory to work ever more closely together. We aim to show Europe that the best of Cities is the one that federates the most widely, the one that has all the assets to promote this continent and that knows that it must, through this bid, invent the culture of tomorrow and new connections between all audiences. A new, even more extensive bid will be submitted in November.

This second round is the first act towards a successful challenge.

Michaël Delafosse: “Montpellier continues to attract attention, full of talent, strong in its convictions, determined to defend culture and Europe. When all the players are united around the same dynamic, Montpellier succeeds. This announcement testifies to the strength of a collective and the power of the imagination to invent a city and a territory that are creative and respectful of their environment. It shows the perspectives offered to a community created around the European values of freedom, tolerance and free movement of goods and people. We will continue to defend culture with our partners on the road to victory.”

The 35 winners met at the Hotel d’Aurès on 23 February to share their projects and their wonderful energy! From strength to strength in 2023!

This new Call for Projects aims to enrich creation and dissemination as well as to support artistic, cultural and heritage actions that are in line with the bid’s ambition. The proposals should reflect the issues at stake, its concepts (CONNECT, ACT, CELEBRATE) and its artistic directions (Water that connects us, Serial Futures, Trans?). This system is part of the co-construction process of the application undertaken throughout the territory, integrating all the artistic, cultural, educational, social and heritage sectors. Whatever their nature, the selected projects will take place throughout the bid area in 2023. The projects were selected by a jury composed of members of the Association and the Montpellier 2028 board.

The artistic project of M28 is based on a desire to build a project that favours horizontal relations between the different political, citizen and professional actors of our territory. For us, art and culture are powerful vectors of connection, meaning and desire to face the major issues of our time, climate change and democratic challenges. We have made the theme of connections and links the heart of our artistic strategy by imagining its three components: links between space and territory, between time and the future, and between each of us.

On Monday 2 January, the official date for the submission of applications from all French cities applying for the title of European Capital of Culture (ECC), Montpellier Hérault Sport Club team met Olympique de Marseille for a special match.

The last city to have obtained the ECC label met with the next contender at La Mosson stadium, a symbolic venue for the projects supported by Montpellier 2028.

In support of the M28 bid, the players of the Montpellier team wore an original jersey, flocked with the Montpellier 2028 logo.

On Monday 5 December 2022, Michaël DELAFOSSE, Mayor of the City of Montpellier and President of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, and Max PONSEILLÉ, CEO of the OC Santé Group, Treasurer of the Montpellier 28 Association and President of the College of Patrons, met with the founding patrons of the Montpellier 2028 bid and together signed the first patronage agreements.

The four founding patrons present were
– Nathalie BULCKAERT-GRÉGOIRE, Member of the Board of La Caisse d’Épargne Languedoc-Roussillon, representing La Caisse d’Épargne Languedoc-Roussillon;
– Bertin NAHUM, CEO of Quantum Surgical, who signed on his own behalf;
– Cyrill MEYNADIER, Director – OPALIA Immobilier et Urbanisme and Mr Luc POURRINET, Pedagogical Director of ArtFX represented the ARTFX Campus – Opalia partnership;
– Nicolas CEYSSON, Regional Director of COGEDIM and Pierre CABROL, Director of the PITCH agency in Montpellier, represented Altaréa (Altaréa being the parent company of Pitch and Cogedim, the two local directors of these developers signed).

These four sponsors represent four economic sectors of the territory: Med Vallée (Bertin Nahum), Cultural and Creative Industries (ArtFX), real estate development (Altaréa) and banking (Caisse d’Epargne). They each pledged 50,000 euros for 2022, i.e. a total of 200,000 euros of sponsorship.

These sponsors are thus committed to the adventure of the Montpellier 2028 bid and their precious support testifies to the importance of our approach for the region, which brings together 142 municipalities and mobilises all its vital forces (local authorities, associations, companies, etc.).