Located at the edge of the Mediterranean, this European Capital of Culture, stretching across an impressive and unique urban area, is inevitably affected by its geography. This region is marked by past voyages, encounters, and major expeditions.
Marseille, born of the Mediterranean, is a combination of both ocean and earth. Around 100 communes are located in the area stretching between Aix-en-Provence, Arles, La Ciotat and Marseille. The region’s individuality is the result of three factors: intercultural sociability, the relationship between town and country, and urban cultures. This dynamic social and cultural scene was the basis of the Marseille-Provence 2013 programme.
One main theme runs through the programme, which is like a narrative in three episodes. This theme is the Mediterranean — dialogue between Mediterranean countries and “sharing the south”. It is present in the Euro-Mediterranean Ateliers, major exhibitions, festivals, artistic commissions, literary events, concerts, film screenings, performances and participative projects. The narrative’s three episodes are as follows:
Episode 1: “Marseille Provence, welcoming the world”. This episode focuses on the regional traditions of hospitality, cosmopolitanism and relationships with others. Featuring the opening weekend’s ceremonies, festivities and events, it showcases new forms of cultural expression taking over towns and cities. An example is the project This is (not) music.
Episode 2: “Marseille Provence, open sky.” This episode will take place during summer, and gives pride of place to nature, walking trails and outdoor shows and concerts in original locations.
Episode 3: “Marseille Provence, land of diversity.” This episode focuses on art, living together in public spaces, contemporary writing, compositions for younger audiences and some of the Mediterranean’s most renowned artists and philosophers.
In addition to these episodes, several itinerant and mobile projects will take place all year long, paying tribute to the themes of journeys and mobility. Examples include the GR® 2013, Centre Pompidou Mobile, Travelling Screens, Phaedra, Ulysses and Les Grandes Carrioles. These itinerant projects will give audiences from different backgrounds the opportunity to take part in festive events.
Each episode will feature highlights from a particular artistic discipline, giving pride of place to major events such as the opening of new cultural venues and exhibitions.
