At the Rencontres d'Arles, increased attendance and "unruly images"

During the professional week of the Rencontres d'Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône), which took place from July 7 to 13, the queues and dense crowds at the exhibitions were no exception. Neither were the numerous photography events organized in all corners of the city, as part of the "off" festival... and the exponential number of parties. The figures confirmed it: the number of visitors increased by 15% compared to 2024, reaching 23,000 people. A crowd that raised the temperature in the exhibitions, even though, this year, the hours were extended to the morning and evening to avoid the hottest hours. A record that bodes well for the rest of the summer, for a festival that derives 70% of its €8 million budget (for its annual activities) from its own revenue, i.e., ticket sales and sponsors.
The success and the crowds brought their share of criticism, in a city that has changed enormously since the establishment of numerous cultural institutions, foundations, galleries, in the wake of the LUMA Foundation, opened in 2021. Never before have we seen so many posters on the walls pointing out the collateral damage of the development of the cultural sector in this city where 24% of inhabitants live below the poverty line: against the LUMA Foundation, accused of promoting gentrification, against Airbnb, which reduces affordable housing for Arlesians, against the greenwashing of BMW, one of the festival's sponsors.
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Le Monde