SMAC des Bains Douches (Lignières - Cher)
In September 2011, after extensive work and nine months of roaming, the Bains Douches opened their 34th cultural season in brand new premises.
The Bains Douches, «scene of contemporary music» and Pôle Chanson of the Centre region, is one of the rare examples of a distribution and creation structure labeled installed in a small municipality (Lignières, 1,581 inhabitants) within a rural territory. Run by Jean-Claude Marchet, Les Bains Douches has been run for more than 30 years by a volunteer and permanent association.
The artistic and cultural project, recognized nationally, notably for its residencies and for the festival (L'air du temps) that takes place there in May, is mainly focused on the French-language song.
After extensive work and nine months of travelling, the Bains Douches will open their 34th cultural season in brand new premises.
The rehabilitation of the Bains Douches is the result of the voluntarism of the City of Lignières to engage in this major project, following a reflection initiated in 2004 by the various public partners and in which the DRAC played a driving role.
The work consisted of both a restructuring and an extension of the site. The room has been increased from 218 to 350/400 seats in a standing-up format. Four dressing rooms, as well as a bar and a dining area were created. The total area of the place has thus increased from 500m² to 1200m² allowing to have spaces of reception of the public and artists more adapted.
The total cost of this rehabilitation programme - included in the territorial component of the CPER (State Region Project Contract) - is €3.5 million. 78% of the amount of the work was financed by the State and local authorities (Region, Department), 22% remaining at the expense of the City of Lignières.
The additional investments necessary for the equipment of the place (stage lighting, furniture...) were taken over by the association of Baths Showers to the tune of approximately 100,000 euros with the help of the Central Region, the General Council of Cher and the National Variety Centre.
Financing detail | ||
State | 949 339 | 27% |
Region | 863,900 | 25% |
Department of Cher | 778,000 | 22% |
Town of Lignières | 741 297 | 21% |
Country Berry St Amandois | 55,000 | 2% |
NVC | 75,000 | 2% |
Other | 55,000 | 2% |
Total excluding tax | 3,517,536 | |
The official inauguration by the City of Lignières took place on Friday 16 September.
On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September, the entire team of Bains Douches was present to welcome those wishing to discover this new space during guided tours.
Many artists who marked this exceptional adventure in rural areas were celebrating.
Link to site Les Bains Douches