CUMEDIAE´s Project update:

MANIFEST's Exhibition Opening Ceremony! 

CUMEDIAE is proud to announce that the much-anticipated MANIFEST exhibition officially opened in Nantes on September 19th! L’Atelier hosted more than 150 guests, including media representatives, officials, and members of cultural institutions.



The heart of the exhibition lies in its mission to challenge conventional narratives of colonial history and to foster a deeper reflection on the transatlantic trade of enslaved people. Through a unique fusion of art, innovation, and historical memory, MANIFEST invites visitors to engage with the past through modern lenses.



During the opening ceremony, CUMEDIAE’s Stefanie Thomas Gilbert-Roberts, Project Partner and co-conceptualiser of the project, highlighted the exhibition's modern approach to storytelling. The exhibition's innovative use of virtual reality, podcasts, video, and sound art provides an immersive experience, preserving both individual and collective memories while making history more accessible and emotionally resonant for today's audience. By exploring complex histories through interactive tools, the artworks invite visitors to reflect on the enduring impact of colonialism in today's society.



CUMEDIAE warmly invites you to visit the MANIFEST Exhibition, open now at L’Atelier in Nantes until October 6!

CUMEDIAE’s Environmental Impact:

Training Session with Julie's Bicycle!

On Thursday 19th September, CUMEDIAE'S Project Butterfly, attended a training session led by the non-profit organization Julie's Bicycle.

The webinar focused on Julie's Bicycle's Creative Tools, looking at the key environmental impacts of opera production, important indicators and the data collection process.

Participants were able to learn more about sustainable practices, as well as receive guidance on next steps for the Butterfly operas.

With over 35 attendees, CUMEDIAE is excited to see how the new knowledge is going to become part of our green opera production.

Stay tuned for the next sustainable training session on 10th October, which will feature the Audience Development Guide created by CUMEDIAE as part of the Butterfly Project.

Julie’s Bicycle is a non-profit organisation that mobilises arts and culture to take action on climate, nature and justice. They have worked with over 2,000 cultural organisations internationally, from galleries and museums to theatres, dance, artists, cinemas and festivals. They provide tools and training to build knowledge and understanding and plan action, combining cultural and environmental expertise to work in partnership with the culture sector to shape a sustainable future for the arts.

MANIFEST Exhibition Artworks

CUMEDIAE is pleased to present the MANIFEST Final Exhibition in Nantes, showcasing 13 innovative artworks by 22 international artists.



Some of the works delve into the intimate lives of marginalized individuals, amplifying the voices of both prominent and lesser-known historical figures. These artworks honor the resilience of the enslaved, transforming their stories into powerful symbols that resonate in today's world.



Other pieces critically examine the environmental consequences of colonialism, drawing on ancient wisdom to propose sustainable futures. Meanwhile, a different collection bridges the past and present, exploring the effects of forced displacement and the ongoing influence of African diasporas in contemporary society.



Several works also re-examine the symbols and narratives surrounding the transatlantic trade and colonization. Through audiovisual essays, sound sculptures, and poetic expressions, these pieces challenge the softened views of capitalist modernity, deconstructing fictionalized portrayals of colonialism and calling for a reimagined, decolonized future.



CUMEDIAE's dedication to fostering social and cultural impact by supporting innovative artistic initiatives finds its culmination in MANIFEST Final Exhibition. Throughout the MANIFEST Project, CUMEDIAE has shown its commitment to highlighting the potential of art to explore the lasting impact of colonial histories on our modern world.