CEPEL

ACCR

Scientific background and arguments

Founded in 1973, the Association des Centres Culturels de Rencontre (ACCR) federates an international network of some thirty members around a common goal: the dual enhancement of a heritage site and an artistic and cultural project.

In France, 21 heritage sites are members of the association. They have been awarded the "Centre Culturel de Rencontre" state label. Each center implements a cultural project of general interest based on four priorities:

(5) Develop interdisciplinary actions between the fields of heritage and artistic creation;

(6) Supporting and welcoming emerging artistic practices;

(7) Enable the transmission of knowledge and artistic experience to the public;

(8) Develop innovative forms of cultural tourism as part of regional cultural planning

As a professional federation serving its members, the ACCR must evolve its missions to take into account the transformations affecting the artistic and cultural sectors, and society as a whole. It must also take into account the priorities set out by the French Ministry of Culture, particularly in terms of regional attractiveness , participation in cultural life, training and higher education, tourism and international relations.

By 2024, the ACCR aims to have its extensive experience recognized and to establish itself as a network leader with specific know-how.

In line with this objective, the ACCR has structured its action plan around 4 axes:

(5) Network and inter-network coordination (€104,440) ;

(6) Skills development and support activity (€135,100) ;

(7) Capitalization of ACCR experience (€135,534) ;

(8) Europe and international (€188,286).

An observation mission in partnership with the CNRS is planned as a priority in the first area.

Partnership objectives

While the association is very active in its observatory missions, advising members, monitoring and forecasting, it needs to update its observation tools and protocols. The objectives of the scientific partnership are therefore to:

(4) By 2023, develop a new version of the observation protocol and update the indicators produced.

(5) By 2024, conduct a new ACC survey using the new observation protocol.

(6) By 2025, to publish the results produced.

More generally, the research aims to prefigure a perennial observatory of the Centres Culturels de Rencontres by considering three dimensions:

(4) An organizational dimension: draw up a typology of network members; understand their modes of action and organization; study their economy and resources; study their own ecosystem.

(5) A sociological dimension: describe the sociology of the people who run these establishments; analyze their projects; analyze the effects of digital technology on the evolution of cultural and artistic practices; understand the effects of the health crisis on their operations.

(6) A political dimension: consider the effect of the "Centre Culturel de Rencontres" label awarded by the French government; assess the contribution of these organizations to local public policy; analyze the contemporary issues facing these players (economic, climatic, environmental, social, etc.).

Methodology

The research is based on a dual quantitative and qualitative method:

(3) Quantitative component: an online questionnaire to analyze how the Centres Culturels de Rencontres function and operate.

(4) Qualitative component: interviews with the managers of Centres Culturels de Rencontres and their partners (local authorities, political players, national and regional players).

Research plan

This study will be organized as follows:

(1) Quantitative study

  • Redesign of online questionnaire and updating of indicators
  • Technical implementation of the new online questionnaire
  • Questionnaires
  • Processing and analysis

(2) Qualitative study

  • Drawing up an interview guide
  • Student training
  • Distribution of student tasks
  • Interviews and on-site observations
  • Processing and analysis

(3) Returns

  • Drafting of a report including results, survey protocols and tools
  • Results presentation

Research calendar

The study will last 12 months and will be carried out as follows:

(4) Quantitative study: September 2022-June 2023

(5) Qualitative study: September 2022-June 2023

(6) Returns: September 2023