Bonjour, how are you? We hope you are doing well! How can we contribute to your well-being? Through culture, by supporting artistic projects, promoting intergenerational dialogue, sharing best practices for sustainable development in an engaging way, encouraging solidarity, and fostering cooperation between European countries. Our ambition is to showcase aesthetics and cultural diversity, while representing value-creating initiatives for both present and future generations.
- We are contributing to the creation of a “third place” called Hors du temps (Out of time). In the summer of 2024, we organized 20 cultural events in 10 weeks.
- We prepare programs for all ages, including for seniors, youngsters, families, and children.
- We facilitate encounters with French and international artists and their works.
- We connect artists with each other, offering spaces for residency programs.
- Our team organizes and hosts tourism and cultural programs, festivals, creative camps, workshops, seminars and conferences.
The so-called “Third Place” is a community space that serves as a home, workplace, creative venue, and performance space all at once, acting as a natural gravitational point for both local and regional communities. Our main venue, named Hors du temps, provides a retreat from everyday problems. Imagine a 400-year-old building, the foundation of which was laid by monks. Today, it boasts 350 m² of living space and a 1700 m² garden that resembles an arboretum. We are located in the village center of Val d’Aigoual, a UNESCO World Heritage site, within France’s largest conservation area, the Cévennes National Park.
Since our members have been working for the democratization of culture over the past 30 years, we are in daily contact with numerous French and Hungarian creators. Among them are novelists, poets; classical, folk, jazz, pop and rock musicians and singers; filmmakers, theater directors and actors; painters, visual artists, craftsmen and photographers; choreographers and dancers; chi kung and yoga instructors; gallery directors, festival organizers and culinary professionals. Many have expressed a need for a space where they can create or mentor talents in a peaceful environment, away from the noise of the city. Several of them have already enjoyed the benefits of being out of time, as local residents of the Cévennes also experience the fruits of their work.
Our goal is to create a community space, catalyze collaborations, strengthen intercultural communication, and establish transnational partnerships. How do we achieve this?
By raising awareness about the importance and sustainability of a vibrant local cultural community
We organize programs for the local community, providing opportunities to meet with performing artists and creators participating in our residency programs. These conversations can have a revelatory impact on both sides, shaping their creative power and perspectives. We seek and build connections with local stakeholders to integrate ourselves into the life of the local community through collaboration.
- Through residency programs
In the fast-paced and often isolating life of big cities, many creators struggle to find inspiration or unique ideas. We offer them an escape, stimulating their creativity. Participants benefit from a majestic, peaceful garden to work, practice and thrive, as well as creative outings in nature, to reveal their vision in the mountains covered by exceptional forests with the Forêt d’Exception® certification. We provide them personalized support. We offer access to our coworking space, the village hall (for rehearsals, exhibitions, etc.), or the recording studio of the Filature du Mazel in the nearby village.
- Encouraging environmental awareness
We engage participants in smart and sustainable practices that promote the long-term protection of nature, both on an individual and group level, at the site. As a bonus, the impressions gained during the residency can leave a mark on the works created here, amplifying the multiplier effect. After all, artistic creations are powerful tools in raising awareness on these important issues.
