On Wednesday, March 18, just a few days before the second round of municipal elections, cultural actors in Gard broke their political neutrality to issue a solemn appeal: to prevent the arrival of the National Rally (RN) at the head of the city of Alès.
Gathered at a press conference, cultural actors from Gard and the Alès area highlighted the threats to freedom of creation, subsidies, and the future of iconic festivals in the region. Olivier Lataste, director of the Cratère and regional delegate of the Syndeac (union of artistic and cultural companies) for Occitanie, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We are not only talking about the far right, but also about radicalized right-wing movements that defend a conception of culture opposed to the principles of public service.” This position was supported by 12 entertainment unions united in an inter-union to defend an open, inclusive, and accessible culture for all.
Among the present structures were the Verrerie d’Alès (national pole), the Cratère (national stage), the Périscope de Nîmes (conventioned stage), and the Itinérances festival (film festival). These institutions, supported by various funding sources (state, region, department, municipalities), fear drastic budget cuts in case of an RN victory.
Concrete Threats to Festivals and Cultural Employment
Sylviane Manuel, director of the Verrerie d’Alès, spoke out to denounce the risks: “Culture is not an identity marker, it is the opposite. It allows us to evolve together despite our differences. Culture is also social, popular education. There is a major risk weighing on the diversity of works, artistic freedom, and access for all to a common culture.” She reminded that festivals like Jazz au Parc, Cratère Surface, or Itinérances could disappear, leading to the loss of hundreds of jobs (technicians, artists, actors) and a major economic setback for the region.
The director pointed out that actions carried out by the cultural sector are mostly free. “Culture is not a business, it is a living heritage, shared and healing. It is also a major economic weight, more than the automobile in some areas. Even at 71% of the expenses invested by local actors for the Itinérances festival, which injects €400,000 into the Gard economy. It also enhances tourism attractiveness and territorial pride.”
Patrick Malavieille, deputy president of the department in charge of culture, confirmed these fears: “If Alès, Nîmes, or Bagnols-sur-Cèze fall, it will disrupt the departmental cultural plan, co-constructed with local actors. Departmental and regional councilors systematically vote against budget lines for culture. In Beaucaire, where the RN is already in power, we see a cultural white zone: artists leave, projects collapse.”
A Call for Citizen and Political Mobilization
The speakers made a clear appeal to the people of Alès: “It is not about following the national directives of parties, but about voting to block the RN, regardless of the labels.”
Clément Amouroux, deputy general delegate, in charge of young audiences and school cinema coordination (Gard), stressed the educational and economic issues: “The CNC (National Center for Cinema) is currently threatened by an amendment from the RN. Its removal would mean the end of programs like School and Cinema, which allow thousands of children to access culture.”
Olivier Lataste also highlighted the legacy of André Malraux, Minister of Culture (1959-1969) under De Gaulle, an anti-fascist who fought alongside republicans in the Spanish Civil War. “Today, if we have a quality public culture service, it is thanks to this French history. And this history could be confiscated by a far-right claiming to unite workers, which is inconceivable to me.”
All speakers emphasized the importance of citizen mobilization during the second round of municipal elections. “A mobilization that should go beyond national party guidelines to focus on the general interest.”
Context: Cultural actors in Gard voice concerns about the threat the National Rally (RN) poses to cultural institutions and events in the region.
Fact Check: The content accurately reports the statements and positions of various cultural actors and politicians in Gard regarding the potential impact of the RN on culture and festivals in the area.
