PHOTOS – This old factory near Albi is temporarily transformed into an art gallery

In Saint-Juéry (Tarn), the former FTC factory has just been bought by Dedienne Aerospace. But before launching its production, the designer and manufacturer of aeronautical maintenance equipment decided to give carte blanche to around twenty regional and international artists over more than 8,000 m².

On the entrance door, the sign “caution, prohibited to the public” is still attached. Inside the hangar, the old machines have not been moved for the exhibition. It’s this decor that Emeline, who came from Albi for the occasion, likes: “I find it super interesting that we are in an abandoned industrial building, it’s already nice to see and then we are in the urban art theme.”

Around a hundred works over more than 8,000 m²

If the place is impressive, the works are just as impressive. Some frescoes are up to 7 meters high and are suspended from the ceiling using strong iron cables. A project “exceptional and unique” according to Jean Rooble, graffiti artist. Several of his paintings are exhibited in the gallery, such as this portrait of a man in construction clothing. Christophe has been scrutinizing him for a few minutes, it’s the first time he’s come to an urban art exhibition: “I’m very surprised, surprised, there’s everything and it’s free. It also allows you to discover artists that you can’t discover other than in these structures.”

Once the exhibition is over, at the end of the school holidays, the Dedienne Aérospace company site will resume service in 2025. As a reminder, the former FCT factory was liquidated in June 2023 after six takeovers. The Toulouse company announced the recruitment of 70 employees, some of whom were made redundant upon closure.