The role of public authorities in the performing arts

Thierry Boré has spent thirty-five years in various roles in the performing arts world. This experience has given him an understanding of the reality of the public sector of performing arts both in terms of the processes and day-to-day structures, as well as their economic context. This economic context is organised in such a way that artistic troupes are treated like start-ups or craft industries where the economic relationship between distributors and producers is uneven and there is chronic underfunding. Additionally, this sector, in which the government and local authorities have to carve out their role, is characterised by a large number of performing arts companies, a very difficult and highly competitive environment, and an unfavourable social situation. ‘Spectacle vivant en Bretagne’ was created by the government and the regional authorities in Brittany to support the performing arts. After a few difficult years, the public authorities have reconsidered their role and they have become more flexible in their ambitious policy towards the performing arts.