The sociologist, Jean Duvignaud, first had the idea of creating the "Centres Intermondes" - a space open to artists, where a public debate about contemporary creation and cultural policies could be encouraged. Democracy can only survive in a context where critical debate thrives.
The municipality of La Rochelle supported his project, supplied the prestigious premises - the Henri II mansion - and the Centre came into being in 2004. Artists - most of them international - are offered residencies in these premises, which are managed by a cultural association. The artists in residence work on projects in collaboration with artistic and other cultural infrastructures in La Rochelle and the Poitou-Charentes region.
The mission of the "Centre Intermondes" is to continue to support these local, regional and international exchanges with a view to fostering contemporary creation in all its artistic forms.
Site du centre intermondes: www.centre-intermondes.com