Estanqu'Arts
Art descends into the streets of the southern Landes coast
About Estanqu'Arts
Estanqu'Arts is a cultural association founded in 2017 in Moliets-et-Maâ that organizes artistic events on the southern Landes coast. Its flagship festival, Ici ou l'Art, is held every autumn in Moliets and Vieux-Boucau: works of art come down into the streets with exhibitions, workshops, performances, and concerts. The public votes for their favorite artist. The association also programs Vagu'A'Art in the spring in Messanges and Nect'Art de Mots in the summer in Azur.
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Estanqu'Arts: Artistic Pauses on the Landes Coast
Estanqu'Arts is a cultural association founded in February 2017 in Moliets-et-Maâ, in the Landes region. Its name refers to the 'estanquet', which means 'pause' in Gascon: the association offers artistic and cultural breaks open to all on the southern Landes coast.
Ici ou l'Art: The Autumn Festival
The Ici ou l'Art festival is Estanqu'Arts' flagship event. Every autumn, during a weekend in October, works of art descend into the streets of Moliets-et-Maâ and Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains. The festival features exhibitions of sculptures, photographs, paintings, and digital art in the open air and in unusual locations, workshops led by the artists themselves, demonstrations of artistic techniques, performances, and concerts.
The Public's Choice Award
One of the unique features of Ici ou l'Art is the public vote. Visitors are invited to browse the exhibitions and vote for their favorite artist. A public choice award is presented at the closing of the festival, rewarding the artist who generated the most enthusiasm among visitors. This participatory system strengthens the connection between creators and their audience.
Vagu'A'Art: The Spring Rendezvous
In the spring, Estanqu'Arts organizes Vagu'A'Art in Messanges. This event offers exhibitions, workshops, and meetings with artists in a spring setting, providing the first artistic break of the year.
Nect'Art de Mots: The Summer Interlude
In the summer, Nect'Art de Mots takes over Azur and the shores of its lake. This event combines words and arts, with readings, literary performances, and exhibitions in an enchanting natural setting.
L'Estanquet: A Friendly Space
Each Estanqu'Arts event includes an 'estanquet', a convivial space where visitors can gather for drinks and light refreshments. This meeting place for artists and the public is at the heart of the association's philosophy, which believes in the power of sharing and exchange around art.
An Association Dedicated to Artistic Openness
Estanqu'Arts brings together passionate volunteers who work for the artistic and cultural openness of the Landes coast. The association welcomes artists from various disciplines—sculptors, photographers, painters, street artists, graffiti artists, beach artists, musicians—and offers a showcase for contemporary creation in a region still seeking artistic expression venues.
Practical information — Estanqu'Arts
Locations of the Ici ou l'Art Festival
The Ici ou l'Art festival takes place in the streets and public spaces of Moliets-et-Maâ and Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains. Exhibitions are set up in squares, shops, gardens, and unusual locations in both towns, creating an open-air artistic trail connecting the two villages.
Access
By Car
Moliets-et-Maâ and Vieux-Boucau are located on the southern Landes coast, between Hossegor (20 km south) and Mimizan (40 km north). From the A63 motorway, take the Magescq or Castets exit and follow the signs for the coast via the D652 or D328. Free parking is available in both towns.
By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Dax (40 km away). Bus lines from the XL'R network connect Dax to the Landes coast. Carpooling is encouraged by the association.
Opening Hours
The Ici ou l'Art festival takes place over a weekend in October, on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. Access to outdoor exhibitions is continuous during opening hours.
Prices
Access to the festival is completely free. All exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, and concerts are freely accessible.
L'Estanquet
The 'estanquet', the festival's iconic convivial space, offers drinks and light refreshments made with local products. It's the meeting point for artists and the public, where discussions continue over a drink.
The Public Vote
Each visitor can vote for their favorite artist by dropping their ballot into the ballot boxes located along the route. The public choice award is presented on Sunday evening during the closing ceremony.
Other Estanqu'Arts Events
- Vagu'A'Art: in the spring, in Messanges, with exhibitions and workshops by the sea
- Nect'Art de Mots: in the summer, in Azur, combining words and arts by the lake
Additional Information
- The festival takes place largely outdoors; bring clothing suitable for October weather.
- The route is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor route.
Contact
Association Estanqu'Arts
Maison des Clubs, 20 rue du Général Caunègre, 40660 Moliets-et-Maâ
Phone: 06 87 26 57 95
Facebook: Estanqu'Arts
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Estanqu'Arts
Moliets-et-Maâ et Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains
20 rue du Général Caunègre, 40660 Moliets-et-Maâ