Publié le 28/09/2026

In October 2026, the Moulin du Roc – National Theatre in Niort – will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

For 40 years, a building that symbolises local life has been a vibrant hub right in the centre of Niort. Every day, theatregoers at the Scène nationale and visitors to the neighbouring media centre cross paths there; several generations of local residents meet there; and many curious visitors gather there to discover works of art. Over the past 40 years, this has resulted in nearly 3.2 million admissions to cinema screenings or theatre performances.

This is a fine example of what French-style cultural decentralisation has achieved: establishing institutions of cultural excellence, accessible to all, at the heart of local communities.

The CAC – Centre d’action culturelle was established in 1983 out of the shared ambition of local associations active in various disciplines. At a time when numerous nationally recognised institutions were emerging outside the major cities, the conviction of these local stakeholders made it possible to rally public partners – foremost among them the City of Niort and the State – as well as private partners, including major local businesses. From the very opening of this institution in 1986, MAIF, MACIF, IMA and MAAF stood alongside the City of Niort and the Moulin du Roc association.

For nearly a century, a unique ecosystem has indeed developed in Niort, which is home to an exceptional concentration of the largest mutual insurance companies – making it France’s fourth-largest financial centre. The social and solidarity economy occupies a unique place in Niort’s entrepreneurial landscape, founded on the values of cooperation, social utility, local roots, solidarity and sharing. This mutualist heritage permeates local life and is naturally reflected in the values of the cultural sector.

It is this shared vision that has led each partner to commit to a high-calibre yet accessible programme of live performances and cinema, and to an ambitious cultural outreach programme within the local area. Collective inspiration and individual empowerment through art and education have thus brought these stakeholders together for 40 years.

This 40th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on this significant commitment by the public authorities and the business community to serving the region and its people, whilst ensuring its appeal is also underpinned by its cultural vitality – of which the Moulin du Roc – Scène nationale is one of the key players.