2024-08-16 04:01:00
Concerts, exhibitions, cinema screenings, festivals—various and diverse activities enthusiastically mark the season all over the territory. Hélène Lacipière, vice-president of Grand Figeac, is pleased with the near-unanimous success of this high-quality summer program.
For more than a month, the cultural summer has been in full swing in Figeac and throughout the community territory. The eclectic offerings are numerous and attract both local and visiting audiences. In addition to activities organized by local associations, the cultural services of Grand Figeac have launched a summer program that is thriving. Hélène Lacipière, vice-president of the community of municipalities in charge of culture and heritage, presents a very satisfactory interim report.
“We are very happy at the beginning of August with the first indicators being quite favorable,” emphasizes the elected official, who cites the success of the Figeac theatre festival. The 2024 edition, which took place from July 20 to 28, was nearly sold out at the Cour du Puy. “The festival, once again supported by ScénOgraph, went very well. We don’t have the exact figures yet, but all the shows were full. We are delighted; it’s a beautiful festival with very different and exciting performances and an enthusiastic audience. We will meet again next year at the same time.” The Figeac theatre festival continues under the guidance of Grand Figeac. Hélène Lacipière hopes to continue the beautiful adventure “around writings” with the ambition that “Figeac be in festival” and to manage to expand the event in the coming years across the territory.
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The cultural season is off to a great start all summer long in the Grand Figeac territory
Another summer success: open-air cinema screenings in the villages of Figeacois. More than 1,600 spectators have already enjoyed the “under the stars” projections. “It’s a beautiful success with quality films,” applauds Hélène Lacipière. “We had 140 people in Assier, 110 in Reyrevignes, 130 in Saint-Félix, and it continues in August with several dates coming up in Reilhac, Larroque-Toirac, Cambes, Capdenac-Gare, ending in the Montviguier neighborhood of Figeac on August 30 with the film Elémentaire.” In the dark rooms of Grand Figeac as well, spectators are showing up this summer, likely seeking a moment of freshness. “We have 25% more audience than in 2023 at the Atmosphère room in Capdenac-Gare, nearly 14% more in Figeac with over 18,000 welcomed at the Charles Boyer room. Combined, the two rooms show over 17% attendance, while nationally, it has decreased by 5.5%.”
“Many proposals and for all tastes”
The heritage service is also recording good results. The night guided tours of Figeac and the somewhat unusual tours in the villages are appreciated, even if vacationers are somewhat fewer, especially in July. The exhibition on the events of 1944 in Figeac, which has been open only since July 24 at the heritage space of the town hall, has attracted significant interest with over 1,300 visitors recorded by early August.
On the music front, the free concerts of the Summer Tuesdays organized at the Cour du Puy have found their audience. More than 600 people applauded KKC Orchestra and young people on a summer camp with the Fédé Partir on August 6. For the Champollion museum, the season has started off well. “We are up 2% compared to July 2023, with 6,500 visitors welcomed from June to early August. For the year, we have 26,000 visitors compared to 23,000 last year, representing a 7% increase. The exhibition Script Girls went very well in the spring with 6,000 visitors. It will be going to South Korea in October.”
“I believe that the summer programming of the cultural services of the Astrolabe meets the expectations of our audiences. There are many proposals for all tastes and at accessible prices, and they are often free,” summarizes Hélène Lacipière, who emphasizes the dynamic collaboration of all cultural actors in the territory to explain this success.
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A whole summer to discover Figeac and its territory
Emerging Cultural Trends in Figeac: A Summer of Success
This summer has witnessed an impressive array of cultural activities in Figeac and the broader Grand Figeac community, showcasing a variety of events that appeal to locals and tourists alike. The continued success of initiatives such as open-air cinema and the popular theater festival signals a growing trend towards inclusive, accessible entertainment options that engage diverse audiences.
The feedback from recent events suggests a potential future emphasis on outdoor experiences. As Hélène Lacipière noted, more than 1,600 attendees enjoyed cinema screenings beneath the stars this summer, indicating a strong preference for unique viewing environments that foster community connections. Expect forthcoming seasons to introduce more of these immersive experiences, leveraging local venues and natural settings.
Additionally, the rise in attendance at cultural sites like the Champollion Museum reflects an increased public interest in heritage and history, alongside contemporary artistic expressions. The integration of educational exhibitions—themed around significant local events, for instance—could become a staple, appealing to families and history enthusiasts alike, thereby extending visitor engagement beyond the typical summer peak.
As cultural programming continues to evolve, the commitment to free and accessible events is noteworthy. The positive response to the “Mardis de l’été” concerts suggests a growing inclination towards music events that promote community participation without economic barriers. Future programming may prioritize affordability and accessibility, making cultural offerings more inclusive to various socio-economic groups.
With ongoing efforts to ensure diverse offerings resonating with all demographics, the cultural landscape of Figeac is poised for innovation. The community appears set not only to sustain but to expand these initiatives, potentially establishing Figeac as a vibrant cultural hub that consistently attracts visitors year-round.