In the interview given to our airwaves, Claire Girod emphasizes the urgency of this initiative: “The cultural scene in Metz is incredibly vital, but it remains fragile. We need clarity, continuity, and a true partnership with the city.” For her, this debate is not just an electoral exercise, but a moment of truth where candidates will need to specify their concrete commitments.
6 questions asked and a debate launched
The Collective, with its 39 structures (companies, festivals, collectives), reiterates the successful experience of 2020. “We want culture to be at the heart of the municipal project, not a variable for adjustment,” explains Claire Girod, who often laments the lack of long-term vision in local cultural policies.
Six specific questions were sent in advance to the lead candidates, touching on the collective’s priorities:
– If you are elected in the municipal elections, what would be the priorities of your cultural policy? – Are there new areas you wish to develop? – Currently, the budget allocated to culture in the current term is 24.9 million euros. If you are elected in the municipal elections, do you commit to not reducing this budget, or even increasing it, in a national context of drastic cuts? – Currently, the municipal budget for cultural associations represents 2.4% of the total cultural budget of the City. If you are elected, do you plan to strengthen this support? – Faced with an obvious lack of suitable places for creation and rehearsals in Metz, not always well adapted, what do you propose? – Do you agree with the Law on freedom of creation, architecture, and heritage (LCAP) of July 2016, which guarantees principles of freedom of programming and creation?
The evening includes a roundtable discussion on these questions and then a debate with the candidates, artists, and also the audience present in the room.
Artists and candidates: getting to know each other to create a “real partnership”
“It’s not just a question of budget, but a global vision: what place does the next municipal administration want to give to culture in its project for Metz?” asks Claire Girod, emphasizing that the answers must be quantified and accompanied by a precise schedule.
The artist also emphasizes public engagement: after structured responses, a free time will allow spectators to ask their own questions. “We want the people of Metz to take ownership of these issues. Culture is also their business,” she adds.
To be followed live on RCF Jerico Moselle
This appointment on March 4, from 6pm to 8pm, will be broadcast live on RCF Jerico Moselle (FM, DAB +, rcf.fr, mobile applications). A unique opportunity to hear the candidates for the mayor of Metz on their cultural priorities, without filtering, from the Arsenal Jean-Marie Rausch.
