Modern art exhibit: Mrac Occitanie employs artwork by Calle as part of its collection
In the heart of Occitanie, the Mrac museum in Sérignan and its associated institution, MUDEC, have proven their resilience in the face of challenges. Despite a 100% cut to the dedicated culture budget of the Hérault department, these museums have managed to maintain their commitment to showcasing local talent and contemporary art.
Currently, the Mrac museum is presenting a retrospective of Sophie Calle, a star of contemporary art who hails from the region. Despite never having exhibitions in the area before, Sophie Calle, who resides in Le Cailar, not far from Nîmes, is a welcome addition to the museum's offerings. The exhibition, which includes pieces from her entire career, has doubled the museum's visitor numbers.
Meanwhile, MUDEC has found a way to present a local artist's work despite the budget cuts. Through strategic funding, partnerships, and curatorial choices, the institution has been able to secure funding from national and regional grants, private sponsorships, internal budget reallocation, and volunteer support.
One such local artist is Toma Dutter, a drawer, sculptor, and walker born in Montpellier in 1981. A project by Dutter is currently on display at the Mrac museum.
The Sophie Calle retrospective serves multiple purposes. It draws public and media attention, enhances institutional prestige, and frames local art within a broader context. By showcasing both a local artist’s work and a celebrated contemporary star from the same region, the museum underscores the cultural richness of the area, reinforcing its mission despite the budget cuts.
Moreover, the Mrac museum's graphic art studio is also displaying hits and recent acquisitions, including beautiful pieces by Anne-Marie Schneider and a delightful ensemble by the lesser-known Côme Mosta-Heirt. Buren's exploded cabin, which drew the museum's facade in 2006, is another hit displayed in the graphic art studio.
Local authorities continue to support the Mrac museum without fail, demonstrating their commitment to the arts in Occitanie. Despite the budget cuts in the Hérault department, the Mrac museum in Sérignan and MUDEC remain beacons of cultural excellence in the region.
The Mrac museum's commitment to showcasing local talent extends beyond Sophie Calle, as evidenced by the current display of Toma Dutter's works. Meanwhile, the home-and-garden sector offers opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation, providing a complementary lifestyle enhancement to the cultural offerings at the Mrac museum.
