Almost three years ago, the BOTOX(S) network initiated a territory-wide enquiry on “The values of art”, approaching this notion through the prism of economics as well as in its immaterial dimension, characteristic of the values that we carry individually and collectively.

‘The Assembly of Values’ will take place on 8 and 9 September 2021 at the Villa Arson.

The initial wish was to generate collective tools, highlight and share changes in practices and models, and draw inspiration from such models as circular economy, cooperatives, resource and recycling centres; all the while taking stock of the reality of the contemporary art sector.

From the beginning of 2020, the pandemic and social movements impacted on this collective enquiry, making it more urgent and acute, particularly in view of the even greater precariousness of the sector.

This led us to analyze the meaning of our practices. In fact, the title “Values of art” was replaced in recent months with ” Values and re-valuing of art”.

As part of the Sodavi, and in collaboration with the DRAC Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Université Côte d’Azur, BOTOX(S) wished to interview a dozen art professionals in order to address all these issues: Laurence Perrillat, Guillaume Maraud, Aude Mohammedi Merquiol, Gianmaria Andreetta & Noémi Michel, Aurélien Catin, Ève Chabanon, Cindy Sissokho, Mawena Yehouessi, Eloïse Bonneviot.

The choice of these personalities was entrusted to Anna Colin, independent curator, researcher, educator and co-founder of Open School East, an independent art school and community space in Margate, and to Cédric Fauq, curator at the Palais de Tokyo, who recently joined the team of the CAPC in Bordeaux.

The interviewees all answered the following three questions:

• What does the term “values” mean to you, specifically in the field of contemporary art?
• In your opinion, and in your practice, what forms of re-evaluation and readjustment of values do you recommend?
• How do you apply these (recommended) practices in your work?

Given the situation, the interviews were conducted online. Each interview lasted on average 10 minutes, with an introductory video presenting the program.

The post-production was entrusted to Cercle Rouge (Nice) and the sound programming to artist Isabelle Sordage, founder of the Atelier expérimental in Clans (06), itself a member of the network.

The objective of these videos is first of all to create a virtual debate on all the websites and social networks of the BOTOX(S) network. This enquiry is to be extended on 8 and 9 September, with some of the same interlocutors as well as new figures, on the occasion of « The Assembly of Values » at the Villa Arson. More than a debate, the Assembly aims to enquire collectively and concretely about our working frameworks, about ethical and tangible working tools, and more simply to share our desires for change in the context that we hope will be ‘post-pandemic’.