Man, the gardener

With Metis, the Société Immobilière de Nouvelle-Calédonie (SIC) aimed to enhance its actions through art, contributing to the vibrancy of life in neighborhoods in Nouméa (Magenta), Dumbéa, Koné, and Mont-Dore. In each of these towns, Metis selects an artist during a “sports and culture” day organized by the residents themselves. In the following weeks, various cultural mediation events and artistic workshops organized by municipalities, in partnership with SIC, bring these artists to meet neighborhood residents and stakeholders involved in their management.

At the end of these exchanges, each artist creates a mural based on the theme: Man, the Gardener. “In New Caledonia, there is a very strong relationship with nature and the land. Beyond all the wounds, all the divisions that run through this territory, the connection to the land is undoubtedly what most unites all New Caledonians,” explains Virginie Bleitrach, director of the AFD agency in New Caledonia.

Throughout the many meetings and interactions, relationships between tenants, local associations, landlords, and institutional partners have been strengthened. Tenants’ access to sports activities has been facilitated. The initiative has helped forge better community living.