The tram line 1, inaugurated on November 24, 2007, allowed for the introduction of artworks into public space.
It couldn’t be different on the occasion of the commissioning of line 2 (the first run of the first section will be on June 30).
On the other hand, it is through urban development projects that beautification becomes imperative to revitalize neighborhoods.
This was both the objective and the task that the Metropolis entrusted to two working groups: the committee of experts chaired by Jean-Jacques Aillagon, whose reputation precedes him, and the steering committee coordinated by Dr. Alain Frère, Vice-President of the Metropolis in charge of culture.
The final result? The 10 stations (6 at ground level, 4 underground) of line 2 will be “dressed” with artworks from creators, French or foreign artists, based in Nice or elsewhere.
Ten other artists have been approached: Michel Redolfi will handle the sound aspect (background music, multilingual announcements (Niçoise dialect is good for local folklore, English is better for an international tourist city!) while the unmistakable Ben will be responsible for writing his little poetic words on the station panels. It seems they are inspired…
Financially (transparency requires…), the program has a budget of 3.3 million euros.
The announcement of the chosen artworks was made by Christian Estrosi in front of the small crowd that fills on such occasions the beautiful Chéret room at the main town hall.
“Thank you to all these artists for putting their talents at the service of @MetropoleNCA and @VilledeNice through these wonderful works” – said the mayor of Nice, very happy that his own work – the tramway – is not far from reaching its final destination.
Former Minister of Culture Jean-Jacques Aillagon successively illustrated, with his usual erudition, each of the 10 artworks that the people of Nice and visitors will be able to admire in a few months.
