SoFest

Cultural policies are undergoing a complete overhaul following various territorial reforms (regions, metropolitan areas, and new boundaries for public intermunicipal cooperation establishments, etc.). Crucial questions regardingartistic independence and diversityare being raised in light of the phenomenon of concentration in the sector.

This study, unique in its scope and methodology, provides concrete insight into the ability of festivals to contribute to regional development.

The SoFEST! study, initiated and coordinated by France Festivals, is the resultof close cooperation between a research team co-led by Emmanuel Négrier and Aurélien Djakouane, regional and national festival networks(the Collectif des festivals, De Concert !, Fédération des Festivals de Chanson Francophone) and regional agencies (Grand Est and Occitanie).Partners supportingthe projectincludethe DEPS (Department of Studies and Forecasting of the Ministry of Culture), Sacem, and Crédit Coopératif.

The SoFEST! research project is developing several methods tailored to each of the five areas.

Its general principle is to combine the benefits of aquantitative approach(questionnaire surveys of spectators, volunteers, and festivals) with the merits of aqualitative approach (interviews, in situ observations, discourse and image analysis). The team assembled by Emmanuel Négrier (CEPEL-CNRS, University of Montpellier) and Aurélien Djakouane (SOPHIAPOL, University of Paris Nanterre) includes a dozen researchers from the disciplines necessary for the success of the project: political science, sociology, economics, information, and communication.

SoFEST! in figures:

•30,000 audience questionnairescollected

•2,000volunteer respondents

•13 regions

•14 partners

• Over 240performing arts festivalsanalyzed

• Over 100 interviewsand on-site observations

More information: Website