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Gone are the days of summer languor where, vegetative, the sunburned August vacationer indulged delightfully in complete intellectual emptiness to give himself over to well-deserved idleness. Finished: it’s time for our cortices, anesthetized by pastis, to get back to work. Here, finally, returned from beyond the grave, the time of cathedrals, museums, and exhibitions.
Nice-Première: Before telling us about Nice’s arts and heritage news, could you give us a brief attendance report of the events organized since last fall?
Hervé Barelli: It is difficult, at this time of year, to judge. Statistics are only compiled at the end of the calendar year, so I can simply tell you that heritage days, like all the visits organized around the history of our city, are very unifying activities. In 2005, we already noted an increase in attendance of more than 30% compared to 2004. I don’t see why the trend would reverse.
N-P: Who makes up this clientele?
H.B. : Roughly speaking, we can see that one in three visitors is from Nice, another third is still from the Alpes-Maritimes, and the rest are mainly composed of French people, although certain visits are conducted in Italian and English.
N-P: What cultural outings will people from Nice be able to enjoy in the coming weeks?
H.B. : The heritage days on September 16 and 17, 2006, will be the main event organized by the center. On this occasion, we will exceptionally open the doors of the opera for a free tour of the building. Still within this context, we will organize historical tours of the city, passing notably through the archaeological site of Cimiez. As with each edition, admission to the event’s partner sites will be free. Alongside this, we will start a series of “culture” workshops in schools to introduce children to the historical characteristics of their city.
Christine Macagno : September will be busy on that front. Don’t miss the 5th Operetta Festival that will take place at the Théâtre de Verdure on Saturday, September 9. The goal is to promote young talents and, above all, to take a breather after this first week back. As for the museums, the curators are not idle: the MAMAC will host the opening of Bernard Pages and the auction of Raynaud’s works currently on display. As part of the month of photography, the Théâtre de la Photographie et de l’Image will exhibit the photos of Yousuf Karsh, one of the greatest portraitists of the 20th century.
N-P: If you had to name one cultural event not to miss before Christmas?
C.M. : It would certainly be the inauguration of the Regional National Conservatory. Musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters: these will be three unforgettable days of celebration. Especially as we expect a lot from this new cultural element in Nice. The conservatory should allow the city to maintain its artistic potential and certainly attract a younger population.
Here, then, is how to occupy your weekends, rainy or not. For more information, the city’s cultural agenda as well as the detailed programs of Nice’s museums are available on the city hall’s website:
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