In Saint-Florent-le-Vieil (Maine-et-Loire),the Cateano storm no longer raises waves on the Loire but an evil wind blows on the Julien-Gracq house. Like all local cultural institutions, it is affected by the radical reduction in funding for the Pays de la loire region that the elected representatives should adopt on the initiative of president Christelle Morançais (Horizons), on 19 and 20 December.
“In 2025 we will lose 50% of our endowment, or almost 77,000 euros out of an annual budget of 350,000 euros”, complains Jérémy Fabre, director of the structure. For 2026 there is talk of total disengagement. »
“Its disappearance would be terrible, especially for small towns”
The council meeting on 21 November, chaired by Armel Pécheul (DVD), regional councilor of the majority, heightened fears. “A month before the new season, it’s irrational,” says Jérémy Fabre. the house was created in 2012, after the great writer Julien Gracq bequeathed his property to the city so that it could host authors in residence. At the time the Region had invested two million euros in the project. »
Since then, the institution has welcomed 120 creators, organizes an annual festival and stands out in the Pays de la Loire and beyond. “tourist guides mention us,” observes Jérémy Fabre. “Should we fire people, reduce the number of residencies, reduce the scope of the festival? » he asks.
Michèle Pedinielli, rising star of crime fiction, who completed her next novel here, “A Single Eye” (L’Aube, January 2025), judges that “this blow to culture is a choice”: “I fell out of the closet. Home is a big bubble but we go out for exchanges in schools, in retirement homes. Its disappearance would be terrible, especially for small towns. »
On thursday 28 November, almost 600 cultural actors from Maine-et-loire demonstrated their anger in Angers.Slogan: “Let’s not bury culture. »
How can communities advocate for increased funding and support for local cultural institutions amidst budget cuts?
Interview: The Future of Cultural Institutions in Maine-et-Loire
Editor of Time.news (ET): Today,we are joined by Jérémy Fabre,the director of the Julien-gracq house in Saint-Florent-le-Vieil,to discuss the recent cuts in funding for cultural institutions in the Pays de la Loire region. Thank you for being here, Jérémy.
Jérémy Fabre (JF): Thank you for having me.
ET: The news of a potential 50% reduction in your funding by 2025 is alarming.Could you elaborate on how this will affect the Julien-Gracq house and its events?
JF: absolutely. Losing 50% of our annual budget, which amounts to about 77,000 euros, will have severe consequences.We face difficult decisions regarding staffing, the number of residencies we can support, and even the scale of our annual festival. The Julien-Gracq house was established in 2012 with considerable initial funding from the region, and this cut essentially threatens our very existence.
ET: It sounds like a challenging situation. what do you think this reduction in funding says about the value placed on culture in your region?
JF: This situation illustrates a troubling trend. By drastically reducing support for cultural institutions, we risk sidelining the importance of cultural advancement in our communities. The house has nurtured over 120 creators and provided vital platforms for artistic expression. Without this support,we may see diminished cultural vibrancy,especially in small towns.
ET: Michèle Pedinielli, a notable crime fiction author who completed her upcoming novel at your institution, mentioned this funding cut as a “choice.” What does this mean for cultural engagement in your area?
JF: Michèle’s sentiment resonates deeply within our community. Cultural engagement is a collective responsibility, and it’s essential for ongoing dialogues across different societal segments—schools, retirement homes, and beyond. The idea that local governments might choose to lessen their investment in culture is disheartening, notably as it impacts smaller towns where cultural institutions may be the lifeblood of community engagement.
ET: There was a significant demonstration by 600 cultural actors in Angers recently,with the slogan “Let’s not bury culture.” how did this event impact local sentiment regarding funding cuts?
JF: The demonstration was a powerful display of unity among cultural actors in maine-et-Loire. It has sparked conversations regarding the future of our cultural landscape, making it clear that residents value these institutions and the opportunities they provide. Such grassroots movements can pressure local authorities to reconsider these drastic cuts and prioritize cultural funding.
ET: Given these developments, what advice would you give to other cultural institutions facing similar funding challenges?
JF: collaboration is key. Partner with other local organizations to amplify your voice. Engage audiences and stakeholders about the importance of the culture sector. Also, consider diversifying funding sources; explore grants, sponsorships, and community fundraising to build resilience against budget cuts. eye areas for innovative programming that engages the community and showcases the importance of cultural endeavors.
ET: Thank you,Jérémy,for shedding light on this vital issue. The sustainability of cultural institutions like the Julien-Gracq house undoubtedly plays a crucial role in community identity and enrichment.
JF: Thank you for having me.It’s essential we keep the dialog open and advocate for the value of culture in our society.
