Members of an official state body, the 43 official painters of the Navy pride themselves on forming one of the oldest French artistic groups. Whether they are painters, engravers, sculptors, or photographers, witnessing is their primary role. This “testimony,” made possible each year thanks to the collaboration of the association leaders and the relevant decision-making institutions, leads to enriching encounters (between artists and city dwellers) and helps to highlight the specific attributes of each port. Let’s bet that the historic character of the port of Nice, combined with its equally ancient urban environment, will not fail to inspire the POM. It is worth noting that this is not the first time the painters have had the pleasure of visiting our region. Indeed, they have already immortalized, among others, the port of St Tropez.
This year, the city of Nice has partnered with the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur, manager of the port of Nice, to set up the necessary reception and logistics. Thus, a busy schedule awaits the POM whose stay will take place in two parts:
In the first part from Friday, February 23 to Saturday, March 3, with:
– Friday 23, the arrival and installation of the painters at the Fondation Furtado Heine.
– Saturday 24, discovery of the city and its history through a guided bus tour, which will conclude with a Public Relations operation marked by a welcome cocktail at the port of Nice.
– Saturday afternoon until Friday, March 2, a free workshop enhanced among other things by a sea outing and a visit to the French Navy’s vessel, the public service patrol boat ARAGO.
– Thursday, March 1, the closing date of the first part of the stay, which will be marked by a dinner organized and offered by the CCI, with regional personalities as guests. The painters will depart on Sunday morning.
– These free workshops will also provide opportunities for meetings and exchanges between the people of Nice and the POM.
In the second part, an exhibition will be organized at the Tour Bellanda (formerly the Marine Museum).
The opening scheduled for June 1 at 6:30 pm will gather the painters in uniforms who are able to be present for the occasion, the initiators and organizers of this event, as well as regional personalities.
This event, besides the support it provides for the recognition of the port and its environment (geographical and human), also contributes to promoting a different image of the port. This new vision will be supported in the coming months by the publication of a book/catalog documenting the journey and works of the painters during their stay in Nice.
