Nice-Premium: How would you define Nissartitude?
Jean-Marc Giaume: For me, it is simply the fact of deeply loving this land, being passionate, in love with its culture, its city. It is a sentimental attachment, not political or ideological. Nissartitude of course includes great authors born in Nice, like Richard Caïraschi, a worthy representative of Niçois humor, and others who were not born in Nice. But all share a love for this city. One day, I met Aimé Césaire in Martinique: we talked for over an hour. I realized that he faced the same difficulties as I did in making Martinican culture known. Defending Nissartitude means defending a part of European and world heritage.
NP: This year, you moved from the presidency of the Federation of the Associations of the County of Nice to a position at the Nice City Hall. What has changed for you?
JM Giaume: I presided over the Federation for 12 years, heavily involved in regional memory and history. This year, Christian Estrosi offered me the opportunity to use my experience for the benefit of the people, to enrich the entire city of Nice. I accepted immediately. It was seen as a logical progression in my circle. Today, I lead a multidisciplinary team, specifically created for this mission. We are implementing a multi-year plan, in which we are scheduling events for the next five years. These projects cover both archaeology and neighborhood activities… What interests me is not just to create museums: I want to organize a living culture, continually nourish it, and involve all Niçois in the events.
NP: Christian Estrosi has expressed his desire to convince as many people as possible to come to Nice. How do you maintain a strong local identity amid thousands of non-Niçois?
JM Giaume: Whether born here or not, one can deeply love Nice. There are many aspects of Niçois culture to explore: language, cuisine, theater… Everyone can choose what they like, or take it all, or nothing at all. Furthermore, knowing one’s roots should be a means of exchange. Niçois culture should not be seen as a tradition reserved for long-time residents. It is a tool for integration, understanding, and opening up to the world.
NP: How do you deal with extremists and identity-focused groups who also defend Niçois culture?
JM Giaume: I focus solely on actions, not on people. I want to develop concrete projects, without getting caught up in grand political speeches. The question I always ask is: what can be done to transmit Niçois culture? In this domain, stigmatization and caricatures must be avoided at all costs.
NP: What major events are you preparing this year? Are there any new festivals in the program?
JM Giaume: This year, we have involved young creators in the May Festival. It will be a great moment of connection: we aim to create something very, very beautiful. The Celtic Nights will also be an opportunity to showcase Niçois culture, even if the name doesn’t indicate it. The next event we’re organizing takes place this Saturday at the port: it is the Feast of Saint Peter. As for new initiatives, they will mainly focus on defending the Niçois language. It’s a public operation, with activities in schools. The children are the Niçois of tomorrow: it is up to them to embrace Niçois culture.
NP: How can you use the Nice Carnival to showcase Niçois culture to as many people as possible?
JM Giaume: Above all, we must move beyond clichés: show that Nice is more than just carnival and blue chairs. Our culture is actually rich and complex. The carnival presents an opportunity not to be missed to export our culture. It’s wonderful if Niçois love Niçois culture; it’s even better if a tourist loves it: they become ambassadors.
NP: You have been trying to get the Royal Road of the County of Nice listed as a UNESCO heritage site for years. Where does this effort stand?
JM Giaume: This project is a long-term endeavor. We need at least 4 to 5 years just to gather iconography and testimonials, and then to develop the project. The dossier is extensive, but the progress is visible: in February, we were received by the French ambassador to UNESCO. This clearly shows that the project holds value. But we still need more time.
