Festival headquarters at the Théâtre du Vieux Saint-Etienne
The Now festival is an invitation to discover new artistic forms. During 4 days, experiments, exhibitions, conferences, workshops and electronic nights explore the connection between art, current music and new technologies. A festival for the curious and families with a variety of proposals.
The festival takes place in several locations across the city, with headquarters at the Théâtre Saint-Étienne, next to Place Saint-Anne. In this former 12th-century church converted into an artistic venue, the opening night takes place in the program Lava, with an audiovisual performance by Tryphème and Ulysse Lefort, as well as a DJ set by Bianca Brusci. The venue also hosts two stunning installations: Pulse by Tristan Menes and Soudain Toujours by Guillaume Cousins.
Other playful or monumental installations are planned, notably Andreas Trobolovic, Hybrid #1 – ↺6, in the courtyard of the Museum of Fine Arts.
A musical fusion and electronic night at the Antipodes
To discover new electronic music talent, head to Antipode, a famous contemporary music scene served by the new metro line b (Saint-Jacques-Gaïté station). During Electronic Nights on Saturday 8 October, two stages will be dedicated to innovative artists for unmissable live and DJ sets. The festival welcomes especially the creations of S8jfou & Simon Lazarus, among animated paintings and electronic music.
Other musical crossovers are in the program of the 22nd edition, with elemental harmonies, which will see classical, electronic and Maloya music with Vanessa Wagner, the National Orchestra of Brittany and the fusion label on stage in Beton.
Super Saturday for families at Jeu de Paume
For families, on Saturday, October 8, a dense program awaits you at the tennis court: a cabinet of curiosities about the visual identity of the festival, a luminous hat making workshop, an animated tattooing workshop, games, an introduction to ghost robot programming before a festive party hosted by the Vagins enchantés collective.
The Now festival also includes conferences and workshops dedicated this year to the theme of hacktivism (which will follow at the Rennes 1 campus in Tambour and Champs Libres).
Finally, as part of the celebration of science, the Espace des Sciences des Champs Libres hosts a fascinating presentation by Ralph Becker: The Natural History of Networks / Softmachine. The German artist uses liquid metal alloy and electrodes to bring ever-changing shapes and sounds to life. An experience between art and science not to be missed!
Practical information
- Festival Now, 22nd edition from 6 to 9 October 2022. Note that most festival offerings are free and subject to availability. For paid events (Electronic Night and Elemental Harmonies), go to the festival website to reserve your seats. www.maintenant-festival.fr