Hors Cadre, a first festival dedicated to images that are worth a look, in Béziers

A festival outside the framework but above all outside the norm! The very first event dedicated to images in the city of Riquet unveils its first edition, from October 10 to 31. Supported by the eponymous association Hors Cadre Béziers, it is the fruit “a collective approach, of people wanting to get involved in the cultural life of their city”would like to highlight Thomas Langlois-Meurinne, one of the kingpins of the demonstration, while juggling the final preparations.

The festival thus testifies to the momentum shown by new players on the Béziers scene (Hotel La Prison, Les Ostals, Maison Jullian, Architruc showroom, etc.) to work together and raise an undeniable cultural standard. Car Hors Cadre is an entirely private initiative. No wonder, then, that it is not (yet) rolling in gold – this first edition was able to be put together thanks to contributions from the association’s members and a few patrons.

No national destiny yet

“This year, we are counting on a budget between €5,000 and €10,000. We hope to sell our festival bookletand motivate other members…”

smiles Charles Teboul, treasurer of the association (and head of Maison Jullian). The artists are not paid but they can sell their works without being penalized by exorbitant commissions. And Hors Cadre intends to settle into the local landscape and shine.“For the moment, we are not inventing a national destiny, like the Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles or Visa pour l’Image, in Perpignan continues Thomas Langlois-Meurinne. However, we intend to perpetuate the adventure and make it long-term.” For this first vintage 2024, there are no guidelines or imposed themes.

“In the long term, we will undoubtedly adopt an editorial line but here, we preferred to leave room for spontaneity.”

Singular looks

Some 25 photographers are there and bring their unique perspectives: ultra-contemporary approach, nostalgia for film, naturalist poetry, pictorial exploration of color or light, photojournalism, etc. The little extra thing is to have rallied places outside the margins to the cause: artist studios, galleries, associations, institutional partners, pubs and hybrid places, both places of art and hospitality. So many locations which will serve as settings for the photos, espousing their philosophy.“We have a desire for artistic excellence concludes Denis Granier-Saëz, member of the association. And from the moment we have this requirement, we become attractive…”