On September 30, 2022, Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak announced the labeling of the first six “National Doll Centers” (CNMa).
The main mission of these organizations is to support the production of puppet theater, especially through the presence of production workshops, but also through the regular distribution of puppet shows, with particular attention to large-scale formats. These two missions are aligned with an ambitious program of cultural activities and a contribution to the professional structure of the field.
“The art of puppetry is a multiple art, rich in ancestral traditions, a variety of techniques, and creations that are always in motion. They embody both craftsmanship and poetry, craftsmanship and imagination. They have enriched the cultural life of France for decades and inspired dreams for young and old alike. Their full recognition by the Ministry of Culture has been long awaited. The first six “National Doll Centers” ‘ label has become a reality. It will stimulate new dynamics that will help artists, audiences and the dreams of tomorrow! ”
The six structures involved are:
- Espace Geriot in Oloron Sainte-Marie (Nouvelle Aquitaine);
- Rectal – Territoire Vendemois (Centre Val de Loire),
- Laval Theater (Pays de la Loire),
- Le Sablier in If and Diebes-sur-Mer (Normandy);
- Theater à la Coq in Annebon (Brittany)
- Le Mouffetard – Marionette Arts Theater in Ile de France, Paris.
Established by Decree of November 2021, this new artistic creation label recognizes the importance of this popular art and its role in renewing the aesthetics of performing arts.
Le Sablier, the center of puppet art in Normandy, was born on October 1, 2017, as a result of the fusion of two cultural structures of the former Normandy region: the Espace Jean Villars d’If and the CRéAM (Regional Center for Puppet Arts) of d’If . -surmer. The purpose of this voluntary merger was to support puppetry to better defend the creation and share it with the public.
©Vincent Moutot
- Espace Jean Villars Since 2003, the interdisciplinary program “Entre corps et objets” has championed contemporary puppetry and object theater in the region. It welcomed an average of 9,000 spectators each season. And thanks to one-time aid for the creation of the state and help from the region, he stationed two or three companies.
- the cream is a manufacturing and living place dedicated to dolls that was born in 2005 in parallel to the festival that has been held in the town since 1986. Named “RéciDives, Festival of Puppet and Animation” in 2013, the festival has since developed a strong identity. 18-20 shows (long and short) are held each year, and in 2019, the 34th edition, he attracted an audience of over 9,400 people.
- In 2013, a very close partnership was gradually established between the two structures. Hourglass, the result of their fusion, was born in 2017.
- In 2018, Le Sablier acquired the appellation. “Art and Creation for Puppet Theater” It will be placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture and strengthen its mission to support puppetry arts. By convention, this name brings together all of Hourglass’ organizational partners.
- In January 2020, the Ministry of Culture designated Le Sablier. “The National Doll Center is preparing”. Only four scenes at the national level will be given this new name.
- November 2021 New label, created by the Decree of the Center National de la Marionette,
- On September 30, 2022, Hourglass will become the National Doll Center.
The distinctness and complementarity of these two structures is emphasized by this label. It was possible thanks to the will and intelligence of two directors: Anne Doucour at Creme and Brigitte Bertrand at Espace Jean Villars.
Broadcasting the program
- If’s Théâtre Jean Villard hosts approximately 25 shows from October to May. Puppetry and objects, circus, dance, and intersecting forms are showcased in the artistic line “Between body, image, and object.” Many of the suggestions are visual and family-friendly.
©Virginie Menier
- divas, a puppet theater festival and animation format, will be held in Diebes-sur-Mer for four days in July, with around 20 shows in halls and on the streets, allowing you to discover the diversity of puppet art forms, aesthetics and techniques. , parent-child workshops, artist meetings, music and festival nights, and sometimes screenings and participatory projects. This program is aimed at all audiences from ages 2 to adults.
creative support
Le Sablier has artists stay in Dive-sur-Mer throughout the season, sometimes in Ife during school holidays, and accompanies them by co-producing, that is, financially supporting their work. This environment also reserves public access to discover accompanying projects. This is a “site visit.” Le Sablier is also committed to scheduling specific shows when they are in the early stages of the creative process. These are pre-sales.
Apart from these accompaniments, Hourglass also organizes training and research hours for professional artists.
From the 2020-2021 season, Cie Toutito Teatro (Cherbourg) will become an affiliate of Hourglass for two seasons and Big Up Cie (Caen) will become a sponsoring company and benefit from enhanced long-term support.
Puppet Theater Resource Center
Le Sablier is a resource center for the public seeking information about the art of puppetry, including communities, libraries, schools, socio-cultural and health facilities, who wish to schedule shows or launch cultural activity projects. For artists who want to develop and build projects in the field of puppet art.
Sablier is developing a documentary collection on the art of puppetry in collaboration with the Jacques Prévert Media Library in Dieves-sur-Mer.
Mediation, public development
Le Sablier is involved in many mediated projects that connect people and artists and/or artistic processes (site visits and public meetings with artists, plateau or privileged meetings with artists, workshops, amateur practice courses or participation). Creative projects of the type, personalized programming presentations, visits to theaters and cultural activity projects in response to the initiatives of the DRAC, the Normandy region and the Calvados department (cooperation with schools, Regards, culture is alive in Normandy, cultural and Health, Culture and Justice, Triptyque (3-year arts residency project at Jean Giuoli High School in Dieb-sur-Mer)…
Le Sablier also collaborates with the Calvados Prison and Probation Department, CAF and CCAS, Energy Social Action and France Terre d’Asil.
©Mathieu Ede
The Directorate General of Culture of the Normandy Region is pleased with the label and congratulates Hourglass and his team.