In the coastal reaches of Ille-et-Vilaine, a small minibus winds through the quiet streets of Dinard, Saint-Lunaire, and Saint-Briac-sur-Mer every two weeks. For the passengers—a group of roughly 15 seniors—the journey is more than a simple commute; it is a lifeline. These residents, many of whom struggle with the quiet weight of social isolation, are traveling toward a destination where their memories are transformed into art.
This is the heart of “Médiathèques à ma portée” (Libraries within my Reach), a specialized cultural initiative designed for fighting senior isolation through art. Launched in 2017 by the L’Ourse library in Dinard, the program has evolved from a local gathering into a regional model for social intervention. By blending the resources of public libraries with the logistical support of local government, the project ensures that the elderly are not merely passive recipients of care, but active creators of culture.
The program’s expansion is a result of a strategic partnership with the Centres Communaux d’Action Sociale (CCAS)—the municipal social action centers—and is supported by funding from the commission des financeurs d’Ille-et-Vilaine. By integrating social services with cultural programming, the initiative addresses the physical barriers to engagement, such as the loss of mobility, while providing a psychological sanctuary for those who have felt forgotten by the pace of modern life.
The Architecture of a Poetic Banquet
The current iteration of the program moves beyond traditional reading circles, venturing into the realm of performance art. Under the guidance of Mathilde Martinage, a director from the theater company La Levée, participants have spent months crafting a “poetic banquet.” The process is rigorous yet gentle, consisting of 14 two-hour sessions held between September, and March.
The methodology relies on “circles of speech” and creative workshops where participants are encouraged to revisit their own life stories. Through writing, play, and artistic exploration, these fragmented memories are curated into a cohesive production. The goal is not technical perfection, but the act of sharing.
This original production borrows memories from the participants and transports them into the pleasure of sharing a table and a party,
explains Martinage. The result is a sensory experience for the audience, who find the performers gathered around a beautifully decorated table, bridging the gap between a theatrical play and a communal feast. In one of the most poignant moments of the performance, the seniors and the audience join together to sing “Le pot-au-feu,” a moment where the boundary between performer and spectator dissolves into collective joy.
A Framework for Creative Connection
While theater is the centerpiece this year, the program utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to keep participants engaged. The workshops are designed to be inclusive, regardless of the participant’s previous experience with the arts.
- Narrative Therapy: Using speech and writing to explore personal archives and memory.
- Visual Arts: Integrating painting and photography to provide non-verbal avenues of expression.
- Musical Engagement: Using song to trigger emotional recall and foster group synchronization.
- Performance: Developing confidence through acting and public presentation.
For many, the value of the program lies in the simple act of movement. Marie-Thérèse, a participant from Saint-Lunaire, notes that the logistical support of the minibus is essential. I don’t drive anymore, so it feels excellent to get out of Saint-Lunaire. It was very amusing,
she says, highlighting that for those who have lost their independence, the program provides a rare opportunity to meet people from elsewhere.
Culture as a Public Health Tool
The “Médiathèques à ma portée” initiative reflects a growing understanding of “social prescribing,” where cultural engagement is used to combat the health risks associated with loneliness in the elderly. The isolation of seniors is often an invisible crisis, but the structured nature of these bimonthly meetings creates a predictable, safe environment for social reintegration.
Véronique Perrennes, the project manager at L’Ourse library, emphasizes that the success of the project lies in its ability to provide a supportive atmosphere. According to Perrennes, the project illustrates the role of culture in the fight against senior isolation by offering an artistic space for expression, which in turn creates a benevolent and effective dynamic for the participants.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Inception | Launched in 2017 in Dinard |
| Coverage | Dinard, Saint-Lunaire, and Saint-Briac-sur-Mer |
| Frequency | Bimonthly sessions |
| Core Objective | Combating senior isolation through artistic creation |
| Key Partners | L’Ourse Library and CCAS (Social Action Centers) |
By treating the elderly as artists rather than patients, the program restores a sense of agency and dignity. The transition from the solitude of a home to the spotlight of a banquet show allows participants to redefine their identity in their later years, shifting the narrative from one of decline to one of continued contribution.
As the program continues to operate across the Côte d’Émeraude region, the focus remains on maintaining the “benevolent environment” that Perrennes describes. The next phase of the initiative will likely see the continued integration of local artists and the potential for new thematic productions that continue to leverage the rich, untapped histories of the region’s oldest residents.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the role of art in community health. Do you know of similar initiatives in your city? Let us know in the comments below.
