How do you view the relationship between Le Parvis and the Hautes-Pyrénées region?
As an institution, we act as something of a cultural beacon for the department. That is undeniable. With our "Scène Nationale" (National Stage) designation, our facilities, and our threefold activity—cinema, contemporary art center, and performing arts—we have a public service mission. We must therefore reach out to everyone: the people who live here and the people who create here. To fulfill our mission, we must remember that we are part of a cultural ecosystem that includes local artists and cultural organizations across the area—whether they are municipal cultural services or associations like Les Maynats, Jazz à Luz, Traverse, and many others. It is because they are here—thanks to them—that we can play this role of a cultural beacon in the department.
How are these relationships built?
It started shortly after I arrived. During the COVID pandemic in 2021, we were all closed, and the mood was incredibly bleak. I called Valérie Lhuillier from Tarbes en Scène, Bernard Cabarrou from the Maison du Savoir, and Karine Peignaud from Jazz à Luz. We wanted to pool our networks, reconnect with the department’s cultural stakeholders, and see what we could do together. We’ve kept that going ever since. We hold informal meetings with 30 or 40 people that lead to concrete actions.
What role do local artists play at Le Parvis?
At the art center, we are currently hosting the exhibition "Déplacer les montagnes" (Moving Mountains). It features ten artists based in the Hautes-Pyrénées. The exhibition is superb! We’ve never had such a large turnout for an opening, except for our 50th-anniversary exhibition. People tell us it’s brilliant—that it’s wonderful to do this and serves as a form of recognition for our local artists. But it’s not just about showcasing local artists; it’s also about Magali Gentet’s work in making selections based on the same high standards of artistic quality, spanning from the local to the international level. For me, that is essential—I couldn't imagine working any other way.
And regarding the stage at Le Parvis?
It’s the same approach. Our programming features artists based right here in the department alongside internationally touring acts like Sharon Eyal and Emma Dante. It’s that range of work that interests us, always underpinned by the same artistic standards.
And what about local organizations?
We co-create with the local community. For instance, the season opener, *La Forêt*, is co-programmed with La Soulane and the Traverse association. Similarly, *Fest-Nov*—our new dance highlight—is an event built and co-programmed with Bouziane Bouteldja’s company Dans6T, Traverse, and La Soulane. We plan our activities together, featuring performances that take place here in Tarbes—including in venues that aren't traditional performance spaces. It’s the same story with *Dark Side of the Rock*, which pairs a headliner like Magma with local bands. We collaborate with Tarbes en Scène, La Gespe, the Celtic Pub, Jazz Pyr, and the Henri Duparc Conservatory. It’s a network of partners that helps us reach out across the area and connect with a wide audience.
