Arts and culture center
The Center for Arts and Culture, located in Pointe-à-Pitre, is a leading institution for lovers of live performances and cultural exhibitions. Since its inauguration in 1984, this center has established itself as a meeting place for traditional and contemporary arts, celebrating the cultural richness of Guadeloupe and the world.
Description of the Center for Arts and Culture
The Center for Arts and Culture (CAC) in Pointe-à-Pitre is a landmark venue dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of the arts in Guadeloupe. Inaugurated in 1978, it long served as the beating heart of the local arts scene, hosting major shows, exhibitions, and cultural events. The building, notable for its modernist architecture, is a true cultural hub. With its two performance halls (the 1,200-seat Anacaona hall and a smaller, more intimate venue), it accommodates a wide range of events: theatre, dance, concerts, film screenings, and lectures.
The main stage has welcomed renowned artists such as Kassav’, Malavoi, and international troupes, making the center an essential stop for major tours.
Beyond performances, the center offers art workshops for both children and adults, encouraging creativity and artistic exploration. An integrated art gallery also showcases the work of both local and international artists. Despite various challenges, the Center for Arts and Culture remains a powerful symbol of Guadeloupe’s artistic and cultural commitment, reflecting the resilience and passion of local stakeholders dedicated to preserving and promoting their artistic heritage.
Timeline of the Center for Arts and Culture
1978: CAC is inaugurated and quickly becomes a central venue for arts and culture in Guadeloupe.
2008: The center closes for renovations, initially scheduled to be completed by 2015.
2018: Work is found to be halted, leaving the building unfinished and unusable.
July 2021: The collective "Awtis Rézistans," consisting of around a hundred multidisciplinary artists, peacefully occupies the CAC to revive the venue and promote local culture.
2023: Announcements are made about the upcoming resumption of renovation work, with the hope of restoring the CAC to its central role in the cultural life of Pointe-à-Pitre.
Modernization and rehabilitation: an ambitious project
The renovation of the Center for Arts and Culture in Pointe-à-Pitre is more than a simple architectural update—it’s a full transformation aiming to redefine the local cultural landscape. Launched in November 2015, the project follows a strict timeline with delivery initially scheduled for January 2018 and a total cost of 34 million euros.
These impressive figures highlight the scale of the project: 26 million euros were allocated to infrastructure rehabilitation, including the design of deep foundations and the installation of piles. This massive effort aims to make the building more functional, modern, and accessible. You may wonder what this means for visitors? A multipurpose hall, equipped with cutting-edge technology, ready to host shows, concerts, and exhibitions in optimal conditions.
A major asset is its connection to the new tramway, which will link Pointe-à-Pitre to the towns of Les Abymes and Baie-Mahault. This dedicated public transit system ensures easier access, reliability, and comfort, aligned with event schedules. This ambitious project reflects a forward-looking vision, where culture and mobility come together to revitalize a neighborhood and enrich local life.
A central space for the community and artists
The Center for Arts and Culture is more than a renovated facility—it is designed as a meeting point for the community and artists. Its ambitious programming aims to offer diverse events, from live performances to interactive workshops and temporary exhibitions celebrating art in all its forms.
This revamped space also fulfills a social mission. It’s part of a participatory cultural policy involving local actors, schools, and associations. Did you know that collaborations with institutions such as Cap Excellence allow residents to take part directly in cultural projects? This brings a collective dynamic to life, where everyone can take ownership of the space and its activities.
As a driver of local development, the center plays a key role in revitalizing the Lauriers neighborhood. Thanks to its modern facilities and the accessibility provided by the TCSP tramway, it serves as a powerful catalyst for the social and cultural life of Pointe-à-Pitre. Clearly, this central and inclusive place is destined to become a cornerstone of artistic expression for the entire region.
What is a center for arts and culture?
A center for arts and culture is much more than just a venue for artistic events. It is a versatile space designed to promote creation, dissemination, and cultural engagement. These institutions play a crucial role in ensuring access to culture by providing appropriate spaces for performances, exhibitions, workshops, or lectures.
The Center for Arts and Culture in Pointe-à-Pitre, for example, fits this mission by offering modern and diverse facilities. Equipped to meet current standards, it can host a wide range of events—from live performances to educational initiatives—allowing it to reach a broad audience, from art lovers and families to school groups.
Additionally, these centers actively contribute to local vitality. They foster connections between artists and communities while supporting the economic development of the region. The Arts Center, as part of an ambitious initiative led by Cap Excellence, embodies this mission: to be a catalyst for creativity and a driver of social transformation. In this way, it becomes a true pillar in the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage.
