A new visitor entrance was opened at 4 rue de Freiberg, above which the facade lit by LEDs underlines the location’s new identity: the Lavoir Numérique, an arts centre focusing on still and moving images and digital sounds. Far from solely being given over to digital art forms, the visual arts or sound-based art, the Lavoir Numérique is resolutely turned towards present-day audio-visual practices.
The architectural brief for this 1,000 m2 space was devised with these two functions in mind: the Lavoir Numérique includes a large exhibition space and a modular projection room in the basement, as well as two floors that are home to workshops and studios.
The events programme is organised into “sequences”, which address a broad spectrum of digital practices considered from an audio-visual point of view. Each theme-based sequence is composed of an exhibition, a programme of films and a series of public debates, complemented by concerts, shows and performances.
The quarterly sequences into which the events programme is divided address both aesthetic and technical subjects, not forgetting the social, economic and ethical questions present in the world of audio-visual arts today, a world that is in a state of constant renewal as a result of current practices and the digital economy.
Truly a place to think and create and open to one and all, whether amateurs, professionals, beginners or experts, the Lavoir Numérique also develops an important programme of cultural initiatives, which are implemented by its outreach team and outside contributors.
To elaborate one’s own culture of images and sounds also means that questions of production need to be addressed and both distribution and the final audience be taken into account. By fostering discovery and aiding understanding, we favour autonomy: the public takes on an active role, which may well lead to new creative practices.
Guided tours, workshops, courses, discussions, projections accompanied by a commentary and group listening sessions - always in direct relation to the arts programme - are just some of the formats that allow an exploration of both image and sound-based art forms
