MÉCA Cultural Center, France

The new 18,000 m2 MÉCA Cultural Center, creates a frame for the celebration of contemporary art, film, and performances. MÉCA, brings together three regional arts agencies – FRAC for contemporary art, ALCA for cinema, literature, and audiovisuals, and OARA for performing arts – into a loop. A series of steps and ramps lead the public directly into the 1,100 m2 outdoor urban room at the core of MÉCA. A permanent bronze sculpture depicting a half-head of Hermes by French artist Benoît Maire invites visitors to reflect on the contemporary culture of the region.