Mediation in the forest
This is the second season of La Belle Balade: a contemporary art trail in the forest of Châteauvillain, in Haute-Marne. About ten works, created in-situ—specifically for this location—are presented in the heart of the forest for both art enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is organized by the La Simone association, the Châteauvillain third-place, in partnership with the Parc National de Forêts and with the support of the Office National de Forêts. Since the first edition, we have been working with the La Simone association to train volunteers in cultural mediation: how to design a tour route, how to speak in an outdoor setting, and what to say about these works. This training makes it possible to offer visitors artistic journeys through the forest.
Again this year, we trained volunteers as well as a class of middle school students. Several sixth and seventh graders from the Amiral Denis Décrès middle school in Châteauvillain joined us for two days in the forest and in the classroom to work on their speech, posture, and the content of a tour. It was also an opportunity for some to address self-consciousness and shyness, and to practice speaking in front of their peers. A few days later, they worked in pairs to present the works to the rest of the school.
The works are on display year-round and in all weather conditions. Go and visit—Haute-Marne will win you over!
