For two years, she has been the chief architect of the Nice Jazz Festival, Albert 1er Garden version, and the task was not simple with this transition to municipal management after years of third-party management under public service delegation. A successful transformation without a shadow of a doubt for the Director of Communication and Events in the City of Nice.
With dark glasses fixed, hair tied back and a smile on her face, since Monday 7:30 PM, Caroline Magne-Ciotti can finally experience her second Nice Jazz Festival surrounded by her loyal team who were already in command during the first edition. The small imperfections from the first edition with palm trees have been smoothed out, and even the most hesitant are starting to say it is as good as the olive trees version. “It is an accomplishment and I am happy that everything is going perfectly even if we have to keep an eye on things constantly.” With her two walkie-talkies and her constantly vibrating mobile phone, she looks far ahead to ensure the VIP spots are well set before making a visit to the Press Area to greet the journalists and photographers present. “My only regret is not being able to take a few minutes to enjoy a socca in the shade of the palm trees.”
With the first two nights each breaking attendance records, glowing press reviews, and an audience generally satisfied with the concerts as well as the services within the festival, it can be said that the mission is accomplished even though there are still three evenings of festivities to come. If, for a time, there was doubt following the announcement of the move from Cimiez Hill to Place Massรฉna, it is clear that this new venue lends itself easily to this type of event, with easier transport access and immediate proximity to the city center and Old Nice. “No one can contest that the choice was the right one, and these first two evenings are proof of that. I too loved Cimiez but it was necessary to adapt to new constraints, which is what we did by opting for this Nice Jazz Festival at Place Massรฉna.”
Nice Premium: Caroline Magne-Ciotti, what is your feeling after these first three nights of the 2012 Nice Jazz Festival?
Caroline Magne-Ciotti: Pure happiness! It pleases me to recall that it is a unique municipal management organization that has created an extraordinary atmosphere among the 200 staff members who make up the Nice Jazz Festival team.
Motivation and enthusiasm have thus enabled, for this 2012 edition, to once again meet the challenge set by the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, with an increase in attendance compared to the 2011 edition.
NP: Increased attendance and positive feedback from both the public and the press, did you expect such a result for this second edition in the Albert 1er Gardens?
CMC: We always hope for a very positive result, but this year, even more so, the feedback from journalists and the public gives me the feeling that the municipality’s choice of Place Massรฉna was the right one.
We find a popular atmosphere with the residents of Nice naturally mingling with the summer tourists who come much more easily into the city center to enjoy all the summer event offerings.
NP: You are the Director of the Nice Jazz Festival. What does your task entail while you are also the Director of Communication for the City of Nice?
CMC: The NJF is part of my everyday life all year. I handle it like all other communication files, but it is true that in the five months leading up to the festival, starting in February, a real “machine” is put in place with all the municipal services involved: Security, cleaning, events… We regularly meet during steering committees.
I won’t hide from you that organizing this festival is for me one of the most beautiful files I handle in the year, with passion and determination.
