While many communities are reducing their cultural spending, the Tarn Departmental Council reaffirms its support for festivals and cultural actors. A line assumed by its president, Christophe Ramond, who sees in culture a lever of cohesion, freedom and attractiveness for the territory.
Faced with budgetary restrictions which affect many communities, the Department of Tarn does not intend to review its priorities in terms of culture. This is the message that Christophe Ramond, president of the Departmental Council, and his vice-president for culture, Laurent Vandendriessche, wanted to convey during a meeting organized on the terrace of the Palais de la Berbie, in Albi, in the presence of numerous festival organizers.
From Cordes-sur-Ciel and its classical music festival to the Xtrem Fest, via the Fêt’Stival de Carmaux and the Summer of Vaour, the diversity of the events represented illustrated the importance of the Tarn cultural fabric.
For Laurent Vandendriessche, there is no hesitation in supporting culture. “It’s a real commitment to our community. If we don’t help culture, try ignorance,” he sums up. In a national context marked by financial arbitrations, Christophe Ramond calls for a proactive cultural policy. “We must stay the course without forgetting anyone,” he insists, referring to both the major festivals and the cultural equipment worn by the municipalities, like Lacaune or Técou.
The president of the Department sees these events as much more than simple festive events. “In a period of international and national concern, festivals bring solidarity, laughter, resilience and openness towards others.”
Four cultural events per year for middle school students
The Department also intends to strengthen access to culture among young people. From the next school year, each Tarn schoolboy will benefit from four cultural events per year. For Christophe Ramond, the issue is as much educational as it is civic. “We must offer other horizons than social networks or screens. We are preparing the citizens of tomorrow.”
Departmental elected officials also recall the economic and tourist benefits generated by cultural events. Some festivals directly participate in the discovery of territories that are sometimes less known, such as Lacaunais with Marée Haute.
Beyond financial support, the Department asserts a position of principle: never intervene in the artistic content of supported events. “Sport and culture are essential in Tarn,” recalls Christophe Ramond. Before adding: “Each festival remains free in its programming. Unlike certain communities which impose or refuse artists for political reasons, we will never be censors. Culture is, above all, freedom.”
