Modern art exhibition: Mrac Occitanie uses the Calle strategy
The Hérault department, located within the region of Occitanie, has made a significant decision to cut its dedicated culture budget entirely, yet the contemporary art museum MRAC in Sérignan continues to receive support. This selective funding preserves key cultural projects that can boost regional identity and tourism, even as overall cultural spending is reduced.
The MRAC museum, a prominent institution dedicated to contemporary art, has recently presented an exhibition by local artist Toma Dutter, as well as a small retrospective of contemporary art star Sophie Calle. Sophie Calle, who was born in the region and resides part of the year there, in Le Cailar, not far from Nîmes, has seen her exhibition at the MRAC double the museum's attendance figures.
Buren's exploded hut, which drew the MRAC's facade in 2006, is not the only contemporary art exhibition associated with the region. The MRAC's graphic art studio contains works by Anne-Marie Schneider and Côme Mosta-Heirt, in addition to the works displayed in the current exhibition.
The MRAC's commitment to showcasing both renowned and emerging artists is evident in its exhibitions. The museum's graphic art studio is currently displaying hits, recent acquisitions, and a project by Toma Dutter. It's worth noting that this is not the first time a local artist's project has been presented at the MRAC, as Toma Dutter's project was presented earlier.
The MRAC's focus on contemporary art aligns with the local authorities' view of culture as a touristico-economic relay. By hosting exhibitions of internationally recognized artists like Sophie Calle alongside local talents, the MRAC plays a crucial role in promoting Occitanie’s cultural scene. This strategic prioritization of funding for flagship institutions like the MRAC may reflect a focus on maintaining high-profile, regionally significant cultural assets despite broader budget cuts.
While the direct motives or official statements from the Hérault authorities regarding their budget decision are not explicitly stated in the available search results, such patterns are common in regional cultural policy: budget cuts often lead to prioritizing flagship institutions that can sustain visibility and impact. The MRAC's role in promoting Occitanie’s cultural scene by showcasing both renowned and emerging artists justifies its preserved funding despite wider cutbacks.
Toma Dutter, a drawer, sculptor, and walker born in Montpellier in 1981, is one such local talent. His work, along with that of other artists like Anne-Marie Schneider and Côme Mosta-Heirt, adds to the MRAC's commitment to supporting and showcasing local talent. The MRAC's continued presence as a hub for contemporary art in Occitanie is a testament to its resilience and the region's commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural identity.
The MRAC museum, accommodating both contemporary art exhibitions and local talent, becomes a significant player in fostering the home-and-garden of the Hérault department's cultural identity and tourist sector. With the support of the authorities, this regional institution persistently elevates the lifestyle of its residents and visitors by presenting artists like Toma Dutter, Anne-Marie Schneider, and Côme Mosta-Heirt.
