An artistic approach
On the initiative of the Hauts-de-France region, and its President Xavier Bertrand, the association “Art & jardins | Hauts-de-France” takes over in 2018 the production and organization of the International Gadren Festival | Hortillonnages Amiens. Directed by Gilbert Fillinger, it therefore extended its actions to the whole of the territory with lasting proposals such as the Gardens of Peace route or the citizen gardens in the mining area ; she also leads projects around the question of the garden on a European or even international level. Producer of contemporary works – landscape and plastic – in public space, the association reveals and questions the heritage and memorial sites of Hauts-de-France. It thus participates in the enhancement and preservation of the cultural heritage of the region, while remaining resolutely committed to applying the principles of sustainable development, both in the creative process of the gardens and in the enhancement of works and events.
Social integration and inclusion
art & jardins | Hauts-de-France pays particular attention to social integration through work and therefore focuses on the return to employment of the long-term unemployed and young people. Several existing public schemes are already being used: integration projects, civic services, apprenticeship contracts, etc. In addition to promoting a return to the labor market, these mechanisms also aim to strengthen the labor market processes, socialization and the development of social bonds among people who feel increasingly excluded. Thus, our projects have an asserted social aim as the maintenance of gardens, upstream and downstream of the artistic creation, is ensured by an inclusion workshop. The 12 workers of the one year long workshop (for which we are autorized) intervene mainly on the Hortillonnages, along the valley of the Somme, and on the gardens of peace of Péronne and Thiepval. Other inclusion workshop, municipal or community-based, are called in reinforcement, notably on the gardens of Le Quesnoy in the North and Craonne in the Aisne.
This project was cofinanced by the European Social Fund within the framework of the National Operational Program “Emploi et Inclusion” 2014 – 2020
Download here the presentation brochure Social & professional integration – art & jardins | Hauts-de-France
Sustainable development
Art & Jardins | Hauts-de-France projects are also involved in environmental awareness through the production of works of art that highlight issues related to the environment such as water and food resources, sustainable agriculture, news energies, conflicts and migration. This can be translated either by the active participation of the public during the creation of the work; or by the presentation of works developing these societal and environmental challenges. In addition, the question of feeder areas is an important subject in the region; Hauts-de-France being remarkable both for the tradition of workers’ gardens and for the extent of agricultural land. This allows in particular to consider local actions in the field of market gardening.
By supporting environmental awareness, stimulating economic development through tourist attractiveness, Art & jardins | Hauts-de-France embodies a cultural project shared with the inhabitants and visitors of the Hauts-de-France region.
HAUT ET FORT Hauts-de-France
Portrait d’un transformer < click on the link
Gilbert Fillinger, director of art & jardins | Hauts-de-France
Interview november 2019