“How can we reach citizens with art, take them out of isolation through beauty? » This is the question asked by the mayor of Saint-Dizier (Haute-Marne) in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The museums are then closed, and the elected official has an original idea, inspired by a phrase from the Russian writer Dostoyevsky: “Beauty will save the world. »
From 2021, he decided to display reproductions of works by great painters on advertising panels. In place of commercial or municipal announcements. The initiative, spotted by the French Federation of Things That Work (which highlights initiatives carried out by local elected officials), will gain momentum in 2023. On the figures side, the meeting of national museums cedes the copyright at a symbolic price: €56 per painting used.
Degas and Monnet on display
This year, 23 cities (including Laval, in Mayenne) are participating in the operation since November 14. This is the case, in Maine-et-Loire, in the commune of Avrillé, near Angers. The first reproductions will be installed next week.
“The elected officials were seduced by this operation which aims to promote visual art in particular, and art in general” , appreciates Benjamin Julienne, director of culture at the city.
While waiting for the Christmas lights, this action will contribute to “re-enchant public spaces”. Around ten works “easily recognizable” will be reproduced on the facade of the Georges-Brassens center, and on street furniture. Degas, Monnet, Caillebotte: the great names of French painting “will bring a little color, beauty and poetry”.
