Eight groups of citizens are embarking on a collective artistic adventure, accompanied by the Société des Nouveaux commanditaires, with the support of the partner Foundation, in conjunction with Bourges 2028 – European Capital of Culture. The works will see the light of day by 2028, contributing to the emergence of new artistic narratives deeply connected to local realities.

Artistic projects rooted in local issues

Following a call for proposals launched last summer, the 8 winning groups were selected for the relevance of their proposals, their strong collective motivation and their local roots. Their commissioned artistic projects address essential contemporary themes: ecology and preservation of natural environments, memory and heritage, solidarity and mutual aid, intergenerational links, social inclusion, mental health and access to culture in rural areas.

Accompanied throughout the process – from the definition of the commission to the realization of the works – sponsors will be supported by experienced mediators. “Being a sponsor means living a human and artistic adventure. It means working together with artists, mediators and new partners on meaningful projects. It means creating unique works of art, rooted in our local communities,” emphasizes Chantal de Singly, former sponsor and President of the Société des Nouveaux Commanditaires.

A strong commitment to citizen participation

Through this support, we are reaffirming the importance of artistic creation as a collective process, at the service of social cohesion and cultural appropriation. The Nouveaux commanditaires initiative bears witness to the role that contemporary artistic creation can play in raising common issues and fostering encounters between artists, local residents and institutions.

The seminar to welcome the winners, held on February 7, 2026 at the Maison de la Culture in Bourges, marked the official launch of this collective adventure, the first stage in an artistic and human journey that will unfold throughout the region.

Presentation of the winners

• Tiers-lieu “Les Souâtons” (Eure-et-Loir)
  An artistic commission to reinforce access to culture in rural areas and create links between scattered schools, by fully involving pupils in the creative process.
• Le Chemin de Bascoulard (Asnières-lès-Bourges, Cher)
  A project in homage to Marcel Bascoulard, combining artistic memory, rehabilitation of a path and enhancement of an ecological corridor.
• Conseil municipal des jeunes (Landes-le-Gaulois, Loir-et-Cher)
  A work of art designed for a leisure center to reinforce young people’s sense of belonging and ownership of a place.
• L’Entraide (Lunay, Loir-et-Cher)
  A commission to make visible the daily practices of solidarity and sharing that structure local life.
• Le Parlement de la Creuse (Indre)
  A sensitive art project to raise awareness of the Creuse River’s fragility and renew our collective attachment to this natural environment.
• Faye en commun (Faye-la-Vineuse, Indre-et-Loire)
  A work that explores social ties and shared memories in a village riven by generational and social divisions.
• L’art de déstigmatiser (Cher, multisite)
  A commission by healthcare professionals to promote encounters between people suffering from mental disorders and the general public, through a cultural prism.
• Carnaval Bourges Nord (Bourges, Cher)
  A project to support the development of the local carnival into a collective, unifying and radiant artistic expression.