Champ Libre Festival

The Champ Libre Festival: Emerging Creation in Limousin

Founded in 2016 by Charles Meillat and the Champ Libre collective, the festival was born from a desire to create a space for artistic freedom in the town of Saint-Junien, in Haute-Vienne. Since its first edition, it has established itself as a must-attend event for emerging creation in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, attracting a growing audience each year with poetic, theatrical, performance, and musical forms.

A Site Steeped in History

The festival primarily unfolds at the Corot site, a natural gem located five minutes from the town center, on the banks of the Glane. This former industrial site, now repurposed, offers a unique setting blending remains of glove factories, shaded undergrowth, and peaceful riverbanks. The painter Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot once found inspiration for his landscapes here. The Étoile Bleue, a cultural and artistic cooperative acquired by the collective in 2018, complements this setup by hosting residencies, workshops, and performances throughout the year.

A Multidisciplinary and Committed Program

Each edition offers a dense week of live performances: theater, dance, music, cinema, performances, conferences, and participatory workshops. The festival showcases emerging companies and experimental forms, while also programming established artists. Shows for young audiences, musical naps, and city walks punctuate the days, while evenings come alive with concerts and stage creations.

A Collective Dedicated to Sharing

Driven by a team of performing arts professionals and a community of volunteers, the Champ Libre collective champions values of sharing, accessibility, and shared creation. The free or pay-what-you-can pricing allows everyone to access artistic offerings. Supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, the festival actively contributes to the cultural influence of Saint-Junien and the Limousin region.