Libourne, the only city in the region to participate in the “Beauty will save the world” operation

The title screams: “A beautiful slogan. » And its realization ultimately requires so little. The City of Libourne is one of the 32 cities participating this year in the “Beauty will save the world” operation, born in 2021 in the town of Saint-Dizier, in Haute-Marne.

For almost three weeks from November 19 to December 8, Libourne displays reproductions of famous works of art in its public space, notably on advertising panels, but not only. “This makes art accessible,” comments Mayor Philippe Buisson. It is a militant act. »

The idea was born in the middle of Covid-19, the town of Saint-Dizier having decided, with the museums closed, “to bring this to people, to touch them in the places where they pass”. The operation was spotted by the very serious French Federation of Things That Work, for its own interest, but also for its potential to spread to other municipalities.

“A political sense”

Carried out in partnership with the Villes de France and La Réunion des musées nationaux-Grand Palais association, it brought together six municipalities in 2023. There are now more than 30. The principle could only appeal to Libourne elected officials, who have already put art on the street, developing over the years an ambitious street art program entitled “À ciel Ouvert”. Libourne is the only city in Gironde, “I think even in Nouvelle-Aquitaine” to participate, underlines the councilor.

“This allows the population to have direct access to culture”

Van Gogh, Manet, Degas, Caillebotte and many others are thus exhibited in public spaces. The supports? “The advertising lollipops placed in town as well as the panels placed on the sides or at the bottom of the bus, in place of the advertisements,” indicates Philipe Buisson.

Some are also reproduced in high definition on tarpaulins and placed in strategic locations. As on the construction site signs of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church. Or even above the pools of the intercommunal aquatic center, Calinesie… “This allows the population to have direct access to culture. This operation has real political meaning…”