France/ In Douarnenez, Rencontres océanes forge new partnerships

A number of emblematic sites have been chosen for the 4th edition of Rencontres océanes, to be held in Douarnenez (Finistère) in September 2024. An opportunity to forge and strengthen partnerships with other local associations, including the Fêtes maritimes.

Barely finished, it's already time to take stock of the^4th edition of the Rencontres océanes. The event took place this weekend. "A small edition, but with quality artists, the halls were packed. We've refocused on what we want to do," says a delighted Jean-François Fimbault, president of the Équipage association, set up to run this annual project. What made this year's event so special was the fact that it was held in different locations around Douarnenez.

Anchored in the town

At the crossroads of cinema, music, literature and photography, the maritime world and culture were once again highlighted. There's no elitism here," insists Jean-François Fimbault , "it's not just for a well-informed public, but for as many people as possible. For example, François Cresté's gallery L'Abri des guetteurs, in partnership with the Fêtes maritimes, was able to exhibit photographs by Nedjma Berder and François Van Malleghem, chronicling the last Fêtes maritimes event, alongside historical paintings by Pierre Raffin-Caboisse. These photographs will remain on view at the gallery until the end of the All Saints' vacation period.

"This legacy of the Fêtes maritimes was a desire of the president, Camille Gontier, and a way of prolonging them. The partnership with Daoulagad Breizh was also a strong one. The infrastructures were made available by the town, which really helped us out, as did the Département, and the Région is keeping a close eye on what we're doing , " points out Jean-François Fimbault.

Other highlights included a reading of Joseph Conrad by Jean-Louis Caillard, at the bistrot Le Pavé, and a meeting with journalist and sailor Olivier Le Carrer, at the bookshop Les Métamorphoses. "Les Rencontres océanes is a group of around thirty dedicated volunteers, with a collegiality that I hold dear. We had quite a few things to do, but we were anchored in the city. So we wanted to open up to other associations. We really like these bridges. Whatever the reputation of the guests, national or local, the art is not diverted," concludes Jean-François Fimbault.

Source: www.ouest-france.fr