INVITÉ.E DE LA SEMAINEÂ ðŸŽ™ï¸ Pierre GAUDirector of Art’Cade. Established for more than thirty years in Sainte-Croix-Volvestre, the legendary hall that has become historic, Art’Cade continues its unique project: bringing current music, and more broadly culture, to life in rural areas, as close as possible to the inhabitants and territories.
Created in 1989, the Art’Cade association occupies a special place in the local, even regional, cultural landscape. Labeled Scène de Musiques Actuelles (SMAC) by the Ministry of Culture, it still carries the same project which earned it this distinction, making culture accessible to all, particularly in the rural territories of Ariège.
Recently gathered in a general assembly in Sainte-Croix-Volvestre under the presidency of Brynhild Marole assisted by Pierre Gau, the director of the structure, the association presented a particularly dense activity report for 2025, reflecting a structure which has continued to develop its action well beyond its historic room.
In 2025, Art’Cade offered 52 events representing 92 shows and concerts, welcoming nearly 7,800 spectators, in these areas only. An eclectic program, mixing song, world music, jazz, electro, rap, traditional music and even multidisciplinary creations. But the uniqueness of Art’Cade also lies in its ability to reach out to the public. Of the 52 events organized, a large part took place outside the walls, in Couserans or in other Ariège communes, testifying to a constant desire to network the territory.
Accessibility remains at the heart of the associative project. In 2025, 30 events were offered free of charge and the pricing policy remained voluntarily moderate in order to take into account the socio-economic realities of the region. The association is also increasing the number of meeting formats with The new “Sunday Concerts”, organized at the end of the afternoon, illustrate this desire to offer friendly, intergenerational and accessible events.
Much more than a concert hall
Over the years, Art’Cade has established itself as a real player in local cultural development. Supporting artists occupies an important place in its activity, with residencies, consultancy time, training and creative support systems.
The association also develops an important artistic and cultural education component. In 2025, more than 2,800 people participated in the various actions carried out with schools, young people, residents and even audiences far from the cultural offering. The projects carried out with the associated artist Leon Lia, the “Matrices Musicales”, the choir ChÅ“ur de SMAC or the artistic meetings organized in schools illustrate this desire to make artistic practice a tool for emancipation, encounter and social bond.
This dynamic is based on a large network of associative, educational, social and institutional partners who contribute to sustainably anchoring cultural action in the realities of the territory.
Affirmed civic and environmental values
Beyond its artistic project, Art’Cade claims a strong commitment to eco-citizenship. The 2025 report highlights actions in favor of soft mobility, prevention in festive environments, equality between women and men as well as permanent reflection on the environmental impact of its activities.
To complete everything, the association, which today employs around ten employees and can rely on an active network of around 80 volunteers, bought the building in Sainte-Croix-Volvestre. And the association, which also has offices in the heart of Saint-Girons and Foix, is being approached to manage the performance hall within the future cultural facility (still in Saint-Girons), work on which is still continuing.
In a context where public funding for culture remains fragile, Art’Cade is continuing its project with an intact conviction: allowing as many people as possible to discover, practice and share culture, in the very heart of Ariège’s rural territories.
A l’image : Pierre GAU, Director of Art’Cade
