The new head of the Culture Department of Domfront-en-Poiraie (Orne) Renaud Lay, 41 years old, took office on March 2, 2025 at the town hall.
Son parcours
Originally from Yvetot Bocage, in Manche, Renaud Lay studied computer science and then obtained a technician diploma. He gained experience in the cultural sector in Haute-Savoie for 7 years, at the Concarneau Agglomeration for 1 year, and at Dinan Agglomeration for 10 years, with responsibilities in programming and organizing 15 to 45 events per season. Renaud Lay is familiar with Orne as he also organized the small festival Cubi de Rosiere for about ten years with friends on the Taillebois side.
Du pain sur la planche
Renaud Lay describes his role as head of the City’s Culture Department.
I will oversee the culture department which includes the Domfront media library and the library network, support the staff, monitor activities to be implemented, and the shared cultural season with Catherine Villedieu. This will be followed by music events, and above all work on heritage, with projects like Victorine and Chasse.
« Faire au mieux avec les moyens que l’on a »
If he regrets the departure of Karine Lair, who is taking a one-year leave, he knows he can rely on the assistance of Dominique Dufour, the municipal theater stage manager, and many volunteers.
It has been two weeks since I arrived. I haven’t seen the big picture yet but I believe we are in a region with its own cultural interests that can be defended.
Renaud Lay
He continues: « But the real question is how do we showcase all this? How do we try to implement it with everyone in the area? In my opinion, if we carry the projects alone, I don’t think it’s a good idea. I think it should be done with the support of local stakeholders. And I invite them to contact me. I am really listening to see what’s happening in the area and trying to do the best with the resources we have. »
The Culture head has a thought for his predecessor.
Julien did a great job that I am happy to continue. He left me with a lot of leads and information. I am not starting from scratch.
En attente d’une feuille de route
Today, Renaud is eagerly awaiting the election of a culture deputy « so we can start working together. »
I may have all the ideas in the world, but they need to be approved by the elected officials. I am looking forward to my first meetings with them to establish a clear roadmap for the coming years. What can we defend in this term, what are the means. The worst thing that can happen is to have ambiguity.
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