Festival ETC

The ETC Festival: Live Art in the Heart of the New Town

The ETC Festival is one of the major events in the cultural life of the Cergy-Pontoise urban area. Organized by the ETC association, this multidisciplinary festival dedicated to live arts distinguishes itself by its desire to bring culture out of conventional venues and place it directly in public spaces: squares, parks, the banks of the Oise river, building forecourts, and pedestrian zones.

The festival's DNA is rooted in street arts. Street theater companies, circus performers, dancers, and musicians take over the spaces of the new town for free or very low-cost shows, breaking down the barriers between artists and the public. This cultural mediation approach helps reach audiences who do not usually frequent institutional cultural venues.

A Multidisciplinary Program

The ETC Festival offers an eclectic program that covers the entire spectrum of live arts:

• Street Theater and Open-Air Shows: National and regional companies, original creations, and shows for all ages
• Contemporary Circus: acrobatic acts, juggling, clowns, and new forms of circus
• Dance: contemporary, hip-hop, traditional, in theaters and open-air
• Music: street concerts, world music, jazz, pop, and electro
• Performances and Artistic Installations in public spaces

The Cergy-Pontoise Territory as a Stage

The new town of Cergy-Pontoise, designed in the 1970s by visionary urban planners and architects, offers diverse public spaces suitable for artistic events. The major axis of Cergy, the Cergy-Pontoise theater (DSCC), and the numerous squares and promenades of the urban area all serve as potential stages for the festival.

A Popular and Committed Festival

The ETC Festival is driven by a passionate permanent team and a network of dedicated volunteers. Its commitment to cultural democratization is reflected in a proactive pricing policy, with many free shows or shows costing less than 10 EUR. The festival works closely with social structures, schools, and neighborhood associations to reach audiences furthest from culture.