At the heart of Besançon, a unique association is transforming public spaces into platforms for artistic expression: Juste Ici. Founded in 2011, this organization is dedicated to supporting contemporary art in public spaces. By making art accessible to everyone, it plays a crucial role in revitalizing the cultural landscape of Besançon and its surrounding areas.

Bien Urbain : A Festival of Art in (and with) Public Spaces

One of the most significant initiatives of Juste Ici is the Bien Urbain festival. Launched in the same year as the association, this festival was held annually until 2022 and then became a biennial event from 2022 onwards. It has become a must-see event for contemporary art enthusiasts. Bien Urbain invites around fifteen international artists to create original, site-specific works that are accessible to everyone in public spaces. These creations—whether sculptures, murals, multimedia works, or illustrations—turn the city into an open-air museum.

During my stay in Besançon from 2018 to 2023, I had the opportunity to discover these artists’ creations through university courses and guided tours organized by Juste Ici. These experiences opened my eyes to the importance of art in urban life and how it can transform our perception of our everyday environment.

The Artistic Hub: La Friche Artistique

Another remarkable initiative by Juste Ici is its management of the Friche Artistique de Besançon, a space dedicated to creativity and experimentation. During my professional degree program (LP METI) at the University of Franche-Comté in 2022-2023, I had the chance to visit this inspiring place with my classmates, guided by David Demougeot, the artistic director of Juste Ici. The Friche is a space where local and international artists meet, exchange ideas, and create. It is also a place where the history and architecture of Besançon are constantly reinterpreted through art.

Civic Engagement and Collective Participation

Juste Ici doesn’t just produce art; it also actively involves the residents of Besançon in collective projects. The “Ateliers Juste Ici,” for example, are initiatives that engage residents of the Planoise and Clairs-Soleils neighborhoods in artistic creation. These workshops empower participants to reclaim their public spaces by integrating collective artworks, whether through mural journalism or public space design.

In addition, Juste Ici leads educational initiatives by inviting artists to work in schools and specialized institutions. These artistic residencies allow students to discover contextual art by interacting with artists and creating art in their own environments. This approach aims to spark curiosity in young people, encourage their creativity, and raise their awareness of the importance of art in public spaces.

Biennale 2025: An Event Not to Be Missed

Since its inception, the Bien Urbain festival has seen the creation of 422 works by 162 artists and collectives from 25 different countries. These works, spread across Besançon, Osselle, and Saint-Vit, have helped to strengthen the cultural identity of the region. With the festival now operating as a biennial, the next edition is scheduled for June 2025. This event promises to once again be a powerful meeting point between art and the public, with works that will continue to surprise, challenge, and move viewers.

Conclusion

Juste Ici is much more than just an association; it’s a driving force for urban and social transformation. Through its commitment to artistic creation in public spaces, it breathes new life into entire neighborhoods while offering residents and visitors a fresh way to experience the city. The Bien Urbain festival, a true showcase of this commitment, is a must-attend event for anyone looking to explore the richness of contemporary art in an accessible and open setting. As we look forward to the next edition in 2025, Besançon continues to resonate with the rhythm of past, present, and future creations.