Isabel da Rocha remembers the first ten editions of Artecisse with a lot of joy and sharing. A multidisciplinary festival that she launched in 2016, putting “culture at the service of the environment” at the heart of the Cisse valley.
Despite a “very beautiful” anniversary edition last year, the president of the association hesitated to continue this year. The difficult cultural context, considered “in great danger and underestimated,” also motivated her to continue.
The 11th edition will be longer than usual: “I made the decision (to continue) too late to apply for a grant from the departmental council (one of the event’s funders).” The economic context remains difficult, resulting in fewer exhibitions than usual and no artist residencies.
Musical and literary encounters in Valencisse will kick off the 2026 program, divided into two parts and free for visitors. An exhibition titled “The Butterfly Effect” by Isabelle da Rocha will be presented in Blois. Various writers and artists will participate in readings and presentations.
The festival will continue with musical and literary encounters in Nervault, Molineuf (Valencisse), with artists presenting creations around the Loire. Various activities and exhibitions will be held, emphasizing the connection between culture and nature.
The festival will take a break this summer, with no planned water tower paintings this year. The second part of the program will start in September with an exhibition of works made from beeswax, followed by a short film festival in October.
Taking unconventional paths to create exchanges and bring culture closer to people is the aim of Artecisse. The festival aims to show that culture is accessible to everyone.
