Culture: a duo will manage the Concorde cultural space, in Vernier

A powerful duo will run a future major cultural center in the canton. The Verniolane authorities and the Foundation for the Development of Arts and Culture (FODAC) revealed, this Wednesday, the names of the two co-directors of the Concorde space. The place, which will open its doors at the end of 2026, will be headed by Eve-Anouk Jebejian and Frédéric Steinbrüchel.

The latter is the general secretary of the Geneva Chamber Orchestra. Her sidekick works for the cultural department of the City of Geneva and is notably responsible for the classical programming of the Fête de la Musique. “It’s an honor and a great challenge,” rejoices Eve-Anouk Jebejian. We are not arriving in a desert. Vernier is a town rich in cultural and associative initiatives.”

The pair wishes to develop access to culture for all social strata. The future center, which will see the light of day in the popular Châtelaine district, will also offer student accommodation as well as a restaurant and a hotel. “It’s a visionary project, in a rapidly developing district,” enthuses Frédéric Steinbrüchel. We want to fully integrate into it and remain open to our surroundings, as well as the commune, the canton and the region.”

Budget the 10 million

The two lucky winners were chosen after a long selection process. “Several elements in their file pleased us. Notably the fact that both of them know the Geneva microcosm perfectly,” greets Romain Jordan, president of FODAC. He adds that the annual operating budget of the institution will amount to around 10 million francs, 60% of which will be self-financed.

For Martin Staub, mayor of Vernier, this project represents a victory in a canton where many cultural initiatives do not succeed. “For decades, we have moved forward with modesty and pragmatism to ensure that the Concorde center sees the light of day. I have a heartfelt thought for Pierre Ronget, who will not see his project see the light of day…”, he sighs.

L’ex-magistrate, died at the end of December, had launched this fight for a big center in Vernier. “I’m sure he’s smiling at us from up there,” the mayor concludes.

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Laurence Bézaguet has worked at the Tribune de Genève since 1995. Started his career at Courrier before working for six years at the daily La Suisse. Was also an independent journalist for eighteen months in Canada and wrote a book on the Crossing of the Harbor, published in 1996, with former State Councilor David Hiler. More info

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