Open The Gates — Inclusive Hip-Hop Festival in Le Mans

A Festival Born from a Commitment to Inclusion

In 2023, Cindy Gautier, aka Kunthea, a PopRap Fusion artist from Le Mans, founded the Open The Gates association to create a festival highlighting women and gender minorities in the cultural scene. The first edition took place on September 8, 2023, at Île aux Planches in Le Mans, with a hip-hop, pop, and electro night. The festival was born from an observation: women and gender minorities remain underrepresented in the programming of festivals and concert venues.

Since 2013, the association has been committed to supporting artists and promoting access to culture in Le Mans and Sarthe, with cultural workshops introducing hip-hop to children and teenagers.

A Unique Three-Part Format

Open The Gates stands out with its three-part format, spread over several days and several venues in Le Mans:

• A free round table on sisterhood in music, with collectives like SheSaidSo and Nananerf, in a friendly venue (Brasserie Septante-Deux).
• A stand-up night showcasing female and gender minority comedians, at EVE-Scène universitaire.
• A music showcase featuring emerging artists from the local and national scene, at EVE-Scène universitaire.

The Emerging Female Scene in the Spotlight

Open The Gates' programming focuses on emerging artists and female voices. During the 2024 edition, the festival hosted Henriette & les garçons, The Golden Avenue, Michelle & les garçons, Tedaak, Dorothée Doyer, Sept, Blanche Esther, and comedians Marie de Brauer, Alice Lombard, Mamari, and Double A. The 2025 edition featured Ingoba (afro-pop and bossa nova), Lola Baï (poetic French chanson), Bunzen (house and techno DJ), and comedians Lou Trotignon, Camille Giry, Emi, and Ann Marie.

A Festival with Chosen Mixed-Gender and Family-Friendly Settings

Open The Gates identifies as chosen mixed-gender and family-friendly, ensuring a safe space for all audiences. The drinks served are non-alcoholic. The festival is co-produced with students from the professional degree program in Music Structure Management and Development at the University of Le Mans (Electrik Campus association), strengthening its roots in the Le Mans cultural and university ecosystem.