This autumn, street art events are multiplying in the Île-de-France region! While the crypt of the Église de la Madeleine has been taken over by several artists, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (94) is hosting the " L'usine fait le mur " festival.
The idea? The town of Val-de-Marne invites some twenty street artists to create live artworks on the site of the town'sformer waterworks . For the record, this plant was built in the early 1860s. It was built at the time by the Compagnie des chemins de fer de l'Est. In 1890, the plant was handed over to the town. Completely rebuilt in 1966, it became an important part of the community, producing up to 48,000 m3 of drinking water! Closed for good in 2016, the plant is now disused and a rehabilitation project is underway. The aim? To transform the site into a multi-purpose space open to the public.
Before this historic site disappears, the town of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés has teamed up with Urban Signature to organize " L'usine fait le mur ", an artistic, cultural and family event. For one weekend only, on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6, 2024, the former water treatment plant will exceptionally open its doors to artists, street art enthusiasts and the curious.
The event brings together 25 street artists, including Hopare, Jo Di Bona, Louyz, Raf Urban, Ami Imaginaire, Ardif, Toctoc and Piotre. All of them will be creating live artworks on the walls of the disused building before your very eyes.
Some of them have already been working on their frescoes since October 2. We were lucky enough to get an exclusive look at some of the works during a visit on Friday, October 4. A word of advice: if you're taking public transport to get to the site, and you're arriving on the RER A (stop "Le Parc-de-Saint-Maur"), then take the"avenue de Lattre de Tassigny" exit. Then simply follow the signposts along the tracks to the Avenue de Neptune, the Avenue Pierre Brossolette and finally the Avenue de l'Observatoire.
Once on site, we take a look at some of the frescoes, most of which will be completed this weekend. These include Hopare's sublime portrait, Ardif's imposing mechanical octopus, Kelkin's labyrinthine fresco, Toctoc' s Mario Bros and Emyart's impressive anamorphosis. To admire this 3D work, you'll need to position yourself in a certain way. Where to stand will be indicated. For the rest of the frescoes and to discover them in real life, see you on October 5 and 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., only!
In addition to these live artistic performances, the " L'usine fait le mur " festival will also feature creative workshops, meetings with artists and book signings, as well as concerts for an original musical journey and a tribute to the legendary Steve Reich.
" Before work begins on refurbishing the former waterworks, the site's walls will become the medium of expression for renowned artists, who will create their works live. The town is looking forward to welcoming them for the weekend, along with a host of urban culture events, " said Pierre-Michel Delecroix, mayor of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, in a press release.
Please note that this festival is not free. So don't forget to book your tickets online now on the dedicated website. Tickets cost €10 (full price) or €5 (reduced price). And it's free for children under 12. You can also pay directly on site. Please note that street art initiation workshops are free of charge and do not require prior booking (subject to a maximum of 10 to 15 people). The first-come, first-served rule will apply.
This is not the first street art event to be hosted by Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. Last spring, the Val-de-Marne municipality enthralled local residents with the exhibition " Le décryptage de l'art de rue ", also co-organized with Urban Signature.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 5, 2024 to October 6, 2024
Location
Old water plant
5 Avenue de l'Observatoire
94100 Saint Maur des Fosses
Prices
Tarif réduit: €5
Plein tarif: €10
Official website
www.saint-maur.com
Booking
mac-saint-maur.mapado.com
More information
Box office opens on September 27
