CEPEL

ACCR

Scientific background and arguments

Founded in 1973, the Association of Cultural Encounter Centers (ACCR) brings together an international network of some thirty members united by a common goal: the dual promotion of a heritage site and an artistic and cultural project.

In France, 21 heritage sites are members of the association. They hold the government designation “Cultural Encounter Center.” Each center carries out a cultural project of public interest focused on four priorities:

(5) Develop interdisciplinary initiatives between the fields of cultural heritage and the arts;

(6) Support and foster emerging artistic practices;

(7) To facilitate the sharing of knowledge and artistic experience with the public;

(8) Develop innovative forms of cultural tourism and contribute to cultural regional planning

As a professional federation serving its members, the ACCR must adapt its mission to reflect the changes affecting the arts and culture sectors, as well as society as a whole. It must also take into account the priorities set by the Ministry of Culture, particularly regarding regional attractiveness , participation in cultural life, training and higher education, tourism, and international relations.

By 2024, the ACCR aims to gain recognition for the breadth of its experience and establish itself as a network leader with specialized expertise.

In line with this objective, the ACCR has structured its action plan around four key areas:

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

(6) Support activities and skills development (€135,100);

(7) Capitalizing on the ACCR’s experience (€135,534);

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

It is primarily within the framework of the first priority area that an observation mission is being planned in partnership with the CNRS.

Objectives of the partnership

While the association is very active in its roles as an observatory, in advising members, and in monitoring and forecasting trends, its tools and observation protocols need to be updated. The scientific partnership therefore aims to:

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

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

(6) By 2025, to publish the results.

More broadly, the research aims to lay the groundwork for a long-term observatory of Cultural Encounter Centers by examining three dimensions:

(4) An organizational dimension: developing a classification of network members; understanding their modes of operation and organization; analyzing their finances and resources; examining their specific ecosystem

(5) A sociological dimension: describing the sociological context of the leaders of these institutions; analyzing their vision; analyzing the impact of digital technology on the evolution of cultural and artistic practices; understanding the impact of the health crisis on their operations

(6) A political dimension : examining the impact of the “Cultural Encounter Center” designation awarded by the government; assessing the contribution of these organizations to regional public policy; analyzing the contemporary challenges these actors face (economic, climate-related, environmental, social, etc.)

Methodology

The research employs a dual quantitative and qualitative methodology:

(3) Quantitative component : conducting an online survey to analyze the operations and activities of the Cultural Encounter Centers

(4) Qualitative component : conducting interviews with the directors of Cultural Encounter Centers and their partners (local authorities, political figures, and national and regional stakeholders)

Research Plan

This study will be organized as follows:

(1) Quantitative study

  • Revision of the online questionnaire and updating of indicators
  • Technical implementation of the new online questionnaire
  • Distribution of questionnaires
  • Treatments and analyses

(2) Qualitative study

  • Development of a maintenance guide
  • Student training
  • Assignment of tasks to students
  • Conducting interviews and on-site observations
  • Treatments and analyses

(3) Refunds

  • Preparation of a report including results, investigation protocols, and tools
  • Presentation of the results

Research Timeline

The study will last 12 months and will proceed as follows:

(4) Quantitative study: September 2022–June 2023

(5) Qualitative study: September 2022–June 2023

(6) Refunds: September 2023