Almanach

The Almanach exhibition is the inaugural research project of Fondation d’entreprise Martell which, since its inception five years ago, is now evolving into a research and experimentation platform for art and design, as well as a space for raising awareness and learning—with a focus on living things.

A research exhibition connecting design and the Cognac region in France: Almanach!

This experimental initiative—which takes the form of an exhibition, residencies, encounters, and a laboratory of living archives—emerged from a reflection on how a foundation located in a context that is rural yet industrial, prosperous yet remote, can establish itself as an agent for dynamism within its region and activate new potential for collective transformation. It soon became clear that the first step, before taking any action, would require the compilation of an inventory of the region’s resources and issues.

A team of designers was assigned the investigative task, which involved meeting many different local people (institutions, businesses, networks, and residents of Charente and Charente Maritime), with a view to identifying local, natural, and industrial resources, both material and immaterial.

Led by Olivier Peyricot with Lola Carrel, Valentin Patis, and Mathilde Pellé, the team established an investigation methodology before commencing the collection and analysis work. 

The subjective overview resulting from their observations is presented on the second floor of the Fondation d’entreprise Martell building, and offers an immersion into the samples collected, enabling the rediscovery of significant materials and neglected deposits, living techniques, and forgotten expertise.

The exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into the material and immaterial riches of the region, through a selection of samples in various forms (maps, objects, photos, videos, soundtracks, materials, substances, sketches, documents, installations, works of art, and so on). But the project is also primarily about sharing. As visitors wander around at their discretion, the designers take a didactic approach to presenting the process and methodology that they applied to this research work based in the region.

This multi-faceted and contributory project explores the processes of production and interdependence in order to better position itself as a tool and catalyst for transition enabling the development of unique creative practices that bring about change. Objective: to create new imaginaries and chart new ways for building a resilient and sustainable future.