This year, Parallèle celebrates Notre Part Belle (Our Beautiful Share).
In these times, we must truly see it, uphold it, and celebrate it. It is what keeps us together, what unites our capacities for attention to one another, and our individual and collective mobilizations. It embraces our vulnerabilities and our need for others—whether they come from afar or are our neighbors, whether they resemble us or surprise us. The Festival Parallèle 15 offers a beautiful map of stories and perspectives—let’s make full use of it and welcome these urgent calls to express and create.

Let us sustain the open and ephemeral communities that festivals represent. Let’s continue investing in these vital spaces of exploration and openness to the unknown. They may sometimes unsettle us, but they always enrich us. Let us be defenders of free artistic creation, watch over it, and protect our right to access it.

The Festival Parallèle celebrates 19 years of existence. What began as a graduation project in 2006 has become a key rendezvous in the heart of winter for many: adventurers of all ages and seasoned audiences, artists and cultural professionals, students, and beneficiaries of mutual aid and solidarity associations. For me, as well as for those who have dedicated themselves to organizing each edition, it has been a journey filled with profound emotions, joys, challenges, memorable encounters, and significant discoveries.

2024 has been a pivotal year for Parallèle. The association established itself at la Friche and now counts among its producing organizations. While our nomadic chapter is behind us, we will continue to explore the city in collaboration with numerous partners, engaging with diverse spaces and audiences.

In 2024, Parallèle also launched new projects, notably a professionalization cycle to support the cultural sector’s sustainability. Supported by the Fondation de France and the Caisse des Dépôts, this program targets young choreographers from the South, recent graduates from art schools, and a trio of future directions of cultural organizations. Its aim is to structure career paths, provide tools, share expertise, and support a new generation.

With the trio of future directions we’ve brought together—whom we are mentoring—we will introduce new perspectives on emerging creation within Parallèle. By doing so, we aim to collectivize decision-making, rejuvenate approaches, and create intergenerational alliances. This mentorship will culminate in the 16th edition of the festival, for which Assia Ugobor, Flora Fettah, and Lamia Zanna will design the programming.

And as it is time for me to embark on new adventures, I will step down from my role in June. The organization will be entrusted to its team and new leadership, in a structure yet to be defined. A fresh spirit will breathe life into Parallèle.

Until then, let us savor this 15th edition together. May the venues be full to welcome the works of the artists coming to us.

I sincerely thank you, loyal spectators and newcomers alike, for your trust. Thanks to all the artistic teams of Festival Parallèle 15 and to its cultural, educational, and social partners. Thank you to La Friche for welcoming our anchoring within its space. Thank you to our public partners. We need you—we need a supportive and adventurous cultural policy!

I eagerly await January 31st, as well as the prelude in collaboration with Chroniques, Biennale des Imaginaires Numériques, and the various openings of La Relève in Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Port-de-Bouc.

Welcome, and enjoy the festival!

— Lou Colombani, director and founder of Parallèle