Les Expressifs

Les Expressifs: thirty years of street creation

Born in 1996 on the initiative of the association Poitiers Jeunes, the Les Expressifs festival is the heir to a long tradition of cultural animation in Poitiers. Its roots go back to the "Scoop en Stock" festival created in the 1970s, which became "Poitiers Presse Papiers" in 1995 before taking its current name. In three decades, Les Expressifs has established itself as one of the unmissable events for street arts in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

A festival in the heart of the city

Every year at the beginning of October, the historic center of Poitiers transforms into a vast artistic playground. Shows take over the pedestrian streets, squares, forecourts, and public spaces between Place Charles de Gaulle and Place du Maréchal Leclerc. Two stages dedicated to contemporary music, the Médiathèque François-Mitterrand, and the Espace Mendès-France complete the setup. This deployment in the urban space allows the public to wander freely and be surprised by creations around the corner.

A multidisciplinary and committed program

The strength of Les Expressifs lies in the diversity of its programming. Street theater, contemporary dance, circus, puppetry, emerging music, digital arts, storytelling, mime, and juggling are mixed over four days of festivities. The festival brings together nationally and internationally renowned companies with amateur and emerging artists, offering a unique balance between discovery and artistic quality. Each edition takes a committed look at society, addressing themes such as gender equality, student struggles, or the defense of culture.

A free event accessible to all

True to its mission of cultural democratization, the Les Expressifs festival is entirely free and accessible without reservation. More than 10,000 spectators per day fill the streets of Poitiers to enjoy more than sixty-five performances. The festival also offers a program adapted for people with disabilities, participatory workshops, and meetings with artists, making each edition a moment of sharing and conviviality.

Strong territorial roots

Supported by Grand Poitiers Communauté urbaine and numerous institutional partners, Les Expressifs has a reach far beyond the borders of Vienne. The festival collaborates with European structures such as CCHAR, a Swiss street arts center, and hosts professional days in partnership with Grand'Rue, the regional federation for street arts and public spaces.