A mural honouring science and research at CIRAD

The first artists chosen for a residency in Bandjoun, graduates of the École supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Montpellier, Paul Rousseau and Pauline Pagès-Lloberas, were given a public commission for a mural at CIRAD. The resulting work was inspired by plants and by the world surrounding line 5, the latest in Montpellier public tram network. The artists used the pastel colours, designs and compositions they had worked on during their residency in Cameroon with Barthélémy Toguo. 

Their work has turned the wall around the CIRAD campus into a place for contemplation, where art, science and the urban landscape are intertwined. The operation was also an opportunity to involve economic and institutional players in a cultural, citizen initiative in tune with CIRAD's research on biodiversity, climate change, sustainable food systems, the One Health approach, agroecological transitions, territories, and collective action. 

It was 50% funded by the Montpellier Metropolitan Council, with the remainder generated via a fundraising operation led by Vincent Fabre-Rousseau, CIRAD Regional Director for Montpellier-Occitanie. The operation involved 14 local and national donors, such as L’OREAL, Groupama Méditerranée and players belonging to Medvallée, such as Agropolis International, Cilcare, Alliance Bioversity and CGIAR. It was also supported by EnSanté, CMETE, APSH34, the Institut d’Études du Travail de Montpellier, Axiome Audit, Languedoc Restauration, SNCF and the Montferrier Town Council.

A living artwork embodying CIRAD's values: openness, transmission, proximity and commitment 

For several decades, CIRAD, a central agricultural and environmental player, has been part of a fruitful alliance with the Montpellier City and Metropolitan Councils. They are working together to shape a zone in which science feeds urban planning, nature is reclaiming its rights in the heart of urban areas, and culture is a given.

A living manifesto for sustainable, resilient and creative urban living
The mural is therefore contributing towards this push for urban renewal, as part of a visual trail highlighting art, innovation and ecology within public spaces. The project fits in with the work of Barthélémy Toguo, the artist chosen to decorate the new tram line. 

"Tomorrow's artists" at Bandjoun Station in Cameroon
The partnership with Bandjoun Station in Cameroon is part of the MO.CO. (Montpellier Contemporain) "Artistes demain" (tomorrow's artists) programme, a major part of the college's artistic ambitions. The aim of the programme is to professionalise junior artists leaving the college and create a young artistic scene in the city, made up of MO.CO. ESBA graduates. It has three pillars: artistic residencies in France and overseas, exhibitions, and networking.