H2OMMES
Toutes les initiatives“Les mots enfouis” (Buried Words) is a cultural association dedicated to highlighting oral archives with literary value, through a variety of formats (sound installations, live performances, poetry, museum exhibits, songs, etc.). It develops hybrid projects that bridge generations, combine diverse knowledge and skills, and are not limited to a specific format or geographical area. Its initial focus was on submerged villages, the attachment to place, exile, and the sacrifices made in the name of progress. This work resulted in the live performance “Les mots enfouis,” which has been presented over 40 times, including as the opening event of the 2021 Word Marathon. This performance has evolved into a graphic and musical book, which has received several awards.
The next phase of the project, titled “H2OMMES,” explores our relationship with water, maintaining a multidisciplinary approach: oral testimonies, writing, live performances, podcasts, workshops, theatricalized lectures, etc. The project brings together a diverse team of artists and researchers, including the artist P. Monnier, and engages approximately 360 students annually.
An open-source, self-sustaining format is currently being developed with the Adour-Garonne Water Agency and the Water Family association, to enable other organizations, particularly educational institutions, to adopt and implement the project. Rooted in the Garonne region and the Adour-Garonne basin, the project emphasizes strong civic engagement and social impact, considered essential elements of contemporary cultural projects.