Festival Arts & Humanités #8

In its eighth edition, the Festival Arts & Humanités, dedicated to performance, asserts more than ever its international identity. The 2026 edition comes at a decisive moment for Points communs, having been recently named as a Pôle International de Production et de Diffusion by the Ministry of Culture. This recognition underlines an artistic line which has been in existence since its beginnings, namely that of accompanying emerging artists, most of whom originate from the European scene and the Global South, during the different stages of their careers and enabling their work to reach out to the widest possible audiences. The festival’s highly international programme features, among others, Calixto Neto (born in Brazil but now living in France, and artist in residence at Points Communs), Mellina Boubetra (from the Paris region), the Palestinian artists Marah Haj Hussein and Nur Garabli, the Brazilian-born Larie Taveira, Marvin M’Toumo from Guadaloupe, Mariam Montero from Cuba, and the Congolese-born Jolie Ngemi, now living in Switzerland. Drawing on a blend of strength, commitment and determination, they bring us powerful new work firmly rooted in the realities of today’s world.

Beyond the shows themselves, Arts & Humanités also comprises an exhibition of works by students at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts Paris-Cergy (ENSAPC), and CY Cergy-Paris Université. In response to a call for proposals, six students have been invited to create works that create a dialogue with the festival programme. Accompanied by Caroline Lionnet, actress, dancer and performer in the Ziferte company, and currently in residence at Points communs until 2027, they will be taking over the different Théâtre 95 spaces. Entitled “Dynamiques du contour”, this exhibition pursues the artistic exploration that is at the heart of the festival and will be a place of encounters and exchanges with the audience for the duration of the event.