In a context where social and territorial inequalities are deepening, where public funding for culture is being questioned, and where social policies sometimes struggle to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations, the actors of cultural action are emerging as figures of resistance.
Through their commitment, they refuse to let culture become a privilege reserved for a few, and instead assert its fundamental role in building a fairer and more inclusive society. They take action, on the ground, to create spaces for expression, social connection, and both individual and collective transformation—despite budget constraints or the lack of public funding, despite institutional resistance and the conflicting demands of public policy.
During two previous gatherings, we opened discussions on the challenges of cultural action in the face of social and territorial inequalities—first at the county level (Hérault,Occitanie, France), then internationally.
In October/November, the gathering, as part of festival HYPE OCC, will take the form of two afternoons of working groups focused on various themes that will be defined beforehand. We will meet in person and via video, in different spaces in Montpellier and in connected chatrooms, to deepen the discussions and perhaps develop future collaborations.
The gathering will again be bilingual (French/English), with French Sign Language (LSF) support available (depending on registration of sign language users—please make sure to reserve an “LSF” ticket).
This series of gatherings, open to all professionals engaged or interested in the topic, aims to generate concrete pathways for collaboration, strengthen synergies between culture and social work, and co-construct inclusive and civic-minded projects.
Join us Friday 31st October and Friday 7th November, from 14:30 to 18:00 in Montpellier or via videoconference.
This series of gatherings is proposed by camin aktion, a production office and creative agency with a solidarity-based approach based in Montpellier. The values of social cohesion and cultural democracy are central to all areas of work within this nonprofit structure, with impactful initiatives such as the sociocultural program #JeSuis, led and funded by camin aktion, and the HYPE OCC festival, which addresses a lack of cultural and artistic offerings in Occitanie. In collaboration with Dieynébou Fofana-Ballester, teacher-researcher and Associate Professor in Education and Training Sciences, whose research focuses on the relationship between cultural action and its actors, territorial dynamics, and institutions.
Photo © Dirk Korell