Situated in the heart of Bordeaux, France, the FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA serves as a cornerstone for contemporary art, innovation, social discourse, and community engagement. This dynamic institution, part of the French regional contemporary art fund (FRAC) network, is housed within the architectural marvel, the Maison de l’Économie Créative et de la Culture en Aquitaine (MÉCA), designed by the renowned architect Bjarke Ingels.

FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA has a diverse collection of over 1,500 artworks, encapsulating a broad spectrum of contemporary art forms such as painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation. Initiated in 1983 with a significant photographic collection, the portfolio has grown to include works from artists across the globe, with a particular emphasis on artists from Africa, the Middle East, and women artists. This diverse collection is a testament to the institution’s commitment to promoting artistic diversity and global perspectives. Under the leadership of Claire Jacquet, an art critic, and curator who has been at the helm since 2007, FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA has grown into a dynamic and innovative cultural institution.

The institution’s mission extends beyond the curation of art. At its core, FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA is dedicated to fostering artistic innovation and promoting social values. This commitment is reflected in their various initiatives, which include acquisitions, artist residency programs, and production support for artists. The residency program, in particular, is a cornerstone of its commitment to nurturing artistic talent. It provides artists from around the world with a unique opportunity to live and work in the inspiring environment of the MÉCA, where they can explore new ideas, experiment with different mediums, and push the boundaries of their practice.

The artist residency program, housed on the 4th floor of the MÉCA, is designed to bridge the gap between the artistic and industrial worlds, encouraging innovative collaborations between artists and businesses in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The residency offers artists a 150m² workshop, providing them with a space to create, innovate, and interact with the vibrant community of creatives and professionals.

The residency program is part of the Frac’s Innovation & Creation Center, which is committed to supporting artistic production. This includes production assistance, research, and creation for artists, curators, and art critics, both local and international. The center also facilitates collaborations with various partners, including businesses and universities.

FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA also places a strong emphasis on audience engagement and education. The institution targets a wide range of audiences, including schools, higher education establishments, the social sector, and those who typically have limited contact with art and culture. Through innovative digital formats, such as workshops, live events, a digital platform for designing virtual exhibitions, web documentaries, features on social media, and publications, FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA seeks to enhance audience engagement and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.

The institution’s commitment to social values is also reflected in its cooperative entrance fee pricing system. This system allows visitors to contribute an amount of their choice, starting from a minimum of 2€, thereby promoting the values of inclusivity and accessibility. This approach not only democratizes access to art but also fosters a sense of community ownership and participation.

The MÉCA building serves as a home for three regional arts agencies: FRAC for contemporary art, ALCA for cinema, literature, and audiovisuals, and OARA for performing arts. The upper floors are occupied by FRAC, featuring expansive exhibition spaces, dedicated production studios for artists, an auditorium, and a café. The public roof terrace is a flexible extension of the indoor exhibition spaces. This outdoor area allows for the placement of large-scale art installations and performances, offering an immersive art experience set against the backdrop of stunning city views and the historic Basilica of St. Michael.

The FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA is part of the French regional contemporary art fund (FRAC) network, which is characterized by its principle of mobility. While the MÉCA building in Bordeaux serves as a central hub, the essence of FRAC is not confined to a single location. The collections under the FRAC umbrella, including those at Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA, are essentially nomadic, traveling throughout the region, across France, and even abroad. This mobility aims to reduce geographical, social, and cultural disparities and to facilitate the discovery of contemporary art by diverse audiences. Each year, about a third of the FRAC holdings are presented to the public, making them the most widely disseminated public collections in France. The FRAC organizes approximately 667 exhibitions and 3,559 artistic and cultural education initiatives annually in various venues, collaborating with public and private institutions.