Vis-à-vis is a project run by the prison service and supported by the Ministry of Culture, as part of a multi-year tripartite partnership agreement between the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Culture, and the Théâtre Paris-Villette. The aim is to offer prisoners the opportunity to take part in the creation of live performances, led by professional artists and companies.
The stated aim is to produce high-quality shows that can be presented to the general public.
This is a real challenge, both for the artists working in prisons and for the prisoners themselves, requiring a significant amount of work and commitment and pushing individuals out of their comfort zone.
It also allows prisoners to begin reconnecting with the outside world, regain self-confidence, acquire new skills, and thus have the best possible chance of preparing for release and facilitating their reintegration into society.
This project is fully in line with the missions of the prison administration. Activities that develop the social and professional skills of prisoners are a tool for preventing recidivism.
Vis-à-vis is part of the protocol that has bound the Ministries of Justice and Culture for nearly 40 years. A major lever for social inclusion, culture creates spaces for dialogue and encourages openness towards oneself and others. This protocol enables projects to be set up in all prisons throughout the country with the help of cultural institutions, artists, and associations, and with the support of the relevant state and local authorities.