Read our magazinesVéronique Lenoir: “Our aim is to make culture accessible to as many people as possible”
Meeting with the Vice-President of the Var Departmental Council, for whom culture rhymes above all with territorial equity.
How many cultural structures does the department manage?
We manage eight cultural institutions, including the Departmental Museum, located in the Jardin du Las in Toulon, which we plan to completely renovate. In addition, we provide financial support to approximately 180 community and public organizations, ranging from small local associations to large institutions such as the Toulon Opera and the Châteauvallon-Liberté National Theatre.
What budget does the department allocate to culture?
Despite a tight budgetary context and the funding cuts facing departments, President Jean-Louis Masson has made a point of protecting the budget dedicated to culture. We have €11 million, a substantial amount that allows us to implement our own programs. These include the Tournée des Voix Départementales and the Var Opéra Summer Tour, which allows opera to be presented throughout the country.
Is it important for you not to forget the rural areas of the department?
Of course. Our goal is to promote culture throughout the Var region while ensuring true territorial equity. We promote the organization of shows by supporting associations in setting up their festivals, such as the early music festival in Callas, Jazz in Tourrettes, and Les Nuits Blanches du Thoronet. We also want to highlight our intangible heritage, such as Provençal cuisine and dance, because these are what shape the identity of the Var region.
What are the major cultural projects you are working on?
The renovation of the Royal Convent in Sainte-Maxime, but I think this project will probably not see the light of day until 2030, or even 2032. It aims to create a museum dedicated to the medieval history of Provence and to give birth to a true cultural heritage center.
