Festival des Arts Burlesques (Arcomik)

A festival born from the neighborhoods, driven by humor

The Festival des Arts Burlesques was born in 2004 from a strong desire: that of the residents of the southeastern districts of Saint-Étienne and the MJC du Nouveau Théâtre Beaulieu (NTB) to participate in changing the image of a territory long stigmatized. Under the impetus of artistic director Farid Bouabdellah, the festival has become a lever for urban development and a tool for social cohesion, demonstrating that culture and laughter can transform a neighborhood.

From Nouveau Théâtre Beaulieu to Arcomik

The Nouveau Théâtre Beaulieu, located at 28 boulevard de la Palle, is a unique venue in France: a theater built with the financial participation of neighborhood residents. For over a decade, it was the beating heart of the festival. In June 2017, an act of arson devastated the theater. Far from giving up, the festival team bounced back in February 2018 for its 15th edition, taking over new venues such as the Jean-Monnet University amphitheater, the Convention Center, and La Comète.

In January 2017, the association Beaulieu Spectacles Vivant, chaired by André Friedenberg, took over to support the festival. In 2020, for its 18th edition, the festival changed its name and became Arcomik, marking a new stage while retaining its DNA: popular, supportive, and participatory humor.

A rich and eclectic program

The festival offers an "in" program of carefully selected shows, mixing national headliners and emerging talents. Among the artists who have marked the festival's history: Anne Roumanoff (historic patron), Michel Boujenah, Pierre Richard, Kev Adams, Stéphane Rousseau, Christelle Chollet, Alex Vizorek, Élodie Poux, François-Xavier Demaison, Tanguy Pastureau, Kyan Khojandi, Roman Frayssinet, Fabrice Éboué, and Sandrine Sarroche.

In parallel, the "off" section includes the New Talents competition (in historic partnership with "Juste pour rire"), which helps discover the artists of tomorrow in amateur and semi-professional categories. The burlesque carnival, a festive procession through the southeastern districts, brings together residents and artists in an intergenerational moment of sharing.

A festival rooted in its territory

Over 150 artists perform each year in about ten venues spread across the Saint-Étienne metropolitan area: the Saint-Étienne Convention Center, the Maison de l'Université, La Comète, the Jeanne d'Arc hall, as well as venues in Saint-Chamond (MJC) and Le Chambon-Feugerolles. The festival also extends to other towns in the metropolis such as La Talaudière, Firminy, and Rive-de-Gier.

Cultural actions and mediation

True to its participatory and supportive DNA, the festival develops numerous cultural mediation actions: humor writing workshops in community centers, a daily micro-magazine produced by young aspiring journalists and broadcast on local television, partnerships with schools and integration structures. Approximately 80% of the budget is allocated to the artistic program, and 27% of spectators come from other departments, demonstrating the event's regional reach.