Festiv'arts

A student festival that has become a must-see

Created in 2002 by a Grenoble student association, Festiv'arts has become over twenty years one of the major cultural events of spring in Grenoble. What started as a student initiative to promote street arts in the Grenoble area has transformed into a recognized festival, attracting thousands of spectators to the city's streets each year.

Three days of free shows

Every year in April, Festiv'arts takes over the streets, squares, and gardens of Grenoble's city center for three days of celebration. The program is intentionally eclectic, mixing street theater, circus, dance, live music, magic, acrobatics, and other surprising artistic forms. All shows are offered free of charge, based on the principle of the hat (voluntary financial contribution), ensuring full access to culture.

Strong values

The festival is based on fundamental values that have guided its organization since its inception:

• Cultural accessibility: free access for over 20 years allows all audiences to attend shows without financial barriers
• Eco-responsibility: use of ecocups, selective sorting, waste reduction, and raising public awareness of environmental issues
• Promotion of local artists: the program highlights companies and artists from the region, while also welcoming creations from elsewhere
• Student training: the organization of the festival by students provides concrete training experience in cultural project management

A varied program in Grenoble's emblematic locations

The shows take place in the emblematic locations of the city center: Jardin de Ville, Place Grenette, Place Notre-Dame, Place Victor Hugo, and the adjacent streets. This appropriation of public space by art creates a unique atmosphere where the entire city becomes a stage, inviting passers-by to stop and discover artistic forms they might never have seen otherwise.

A springboard for emerging artists

Festiv'arts also acts as a springboard for young companies and emerging artists, offering them a showcase in Grenoble's public spaces. The festival programs both established companies and young creators, thus fostering the renewal of artistic forms and the discovery of new talents.