e-chnageur

In Bagnolet, the iconic theater of the Échangeur is facing a threat of closure

undefined undefined 23 juin 2025 undefined 17h00

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The Editor

© Théâtre de l'Échangeur

As the heart of artistic emergence, the Théâtre de l’Échangeur might close its curtains within a year at most. The reason? The establishment is pointing to a 40% decrease in its funding.

After the Gaîté Lyrique, lively yet standing strong, and the Pavillon des Canaux, on the brink of disaster, it's time for another beloved cultural institution in Paris to sound the alarm. The Exchange Theater, a cheerful community space with yellow tones at Porte de Bagnolet (Seine-Saint-Denis), is at risk of closure. After 30 years of dedicated service, it faces a 40% reduction in its funding, a decision from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (Drac) Île-de-France, which the operating company, Public chéri, deems "incomprehensible". 


60,000€ Less Each Year

During a press conference held last week with local elected officials, artistic teams, and residents of Bagnolet, the management reflected on the unprecedented financial crisis affecting the Échangeur theater. Since its creation in 1996, this theater has mainly relied on public subsidies. However, here’s the catch: in 2024, the Drac is cutting 20,000€ from its funding. The department is also adding a cut of 15,000€ in 2025. Last May, the final blow came: 60,000€ will vanish from the theater's budget, which is 15% of its annual budget. It spells a fatal deficit: “We won’t be able to go beyond June 2026,” lament the six employees.

; from the establishment to our colleagues at Libération, who were present at the gathering. 


Dishonest Justifications  

The regional management claims these cuts are justified by a “ decline in attendance ” and a “ financial imbalance .” But these arguments are quickly dismissed by Public chéri, who points out that the accounts were balanced in December 2024 and that, on the contrary, the public has never been larger. It’s warmly regarded as a place “ super present in the lives of the people of Bagnols ” by the artists who came out in large numbers to support it. This “ refuge of artistic creation ” has hosted up to 40 theater and dance companies this season. 

But is there a solution to save l’Échangeur? Alexis Corbière, a deputy from Seine-Saint-Denis, took advantage of the conference... Press release to contact Rachida Dati. The Minister of Culture, who acknowledges "the supportive work that the Echangeur has been doing for thirty years", is expected to meet with the elected official soon, according to Libération. However, it's the citizen mobilization that the Echangeur is counting on to get through the year. The widespread dissemination of its press release is the first step; an event during the Avignon Festival (from July 5 to 26, 2025) will surely be the second.

In the meantime, a new gathering open to everyone is planned to fight against "public policies on art and culture", still at the theater site, on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 PM.