
Founded in 2013 in Brittany, the Théâtre des Arts Vivants (TAV) was born of a strong commitment: bringing artistic creation to rural areas, as close as possible to the inhabitants. A traveling theater under a big top, festivals, co-productions of performances, mediation activities… The early years were marked by intense and demanding work, rooted in local engagement, where TAV quickly established its expertise in cultural engineering and the production of participatory projects.
Between 2017 and 2022, the association took a major step forward by transforming a former 16,000 m² cement factory into a hybrid and innovative space. This third place hosts artists, residents, and public events around three complementary focus areas: artistic creation in public spaces, festival production, and a strong drive for social inclusion.
In 2019, at the peak of its activity, the venue became a cultural reference point in the region, with over 75 events organized, 18 co-produced performances, and 3 festivals held in a single year. This pilot project, supported notably by the French Ministry of Culture and the Brittany Region, inspired numerous initiatives within the national movement of artistic third places.
Building on its experience, TAV has, since 2022, expanded its work internationally while staying true to its approach: projects rooted in local territories, built with communities, and driving social transformation. Its expertise in cultural engineering, artistic production, and mediation is now dedicated to international cooperation initiatives and the showcasing of intangible cultural heritage. From the itinerant residency Kanga Nianzé along the Slave Route in Côte d’Ivoire, to the Maison du Conte in rural Ivory Coast, the Maison Les Palets in France, or the West African online literary media, TAV supports projects that connect memory, contemporary creation, and social transformation.






Le Théâtre des Arts Vivants
1 bis avenue de La Marne
56 000 Vannes - France
Tél : (+33) 02 57 62 09 39 | EMail