Post by L'OCCITANE Group (B Corp)

As part of its 50th anniversary, Maison L'Occitane en Provence and PROVENCE CULTURE launched Le Prix Cultures, an initiative dedicated to actively supporting the contemporary art scene that captures and celebrates the spirit of Provence. The Jury have named multimedia artist júlia lema barros as the laureate of the inaugural Prix Cultures, alongside finalists Florian Monfrini, Cyprien Schaffner and Arina Essipowitsch. Her winning project, Contes Silencios, is an in-situ installation conceived specifically for the architecture of Le Couvent des Minimes, un Hôtel & Spa L'Occitane en Provence. Inspired by the writings of Jean Giono, the work unfolds in three movements connected by a continuous sonic thread, inviting visitors to slow down and experience the light, stone and silence of Haute-Provence. Echoing The Man Who Planted Trees of Jean Giono, where discreet, often unseen gestures shape and transform landscapes over time — the installation unfolds in three movements connected by a continuous sonic thread. Rather than silence, it brings forward the unheard sounds of the place, inviting visitors to slow down, observe more closely, and experience the light, stone, nature and memory embedded within Haute-Provence. Julia Lema Barros said “Contes Silencios is a work that emerges from the sounds already present — a delicate transparency embedded within the walls and the very essence of the place. An invitation to discover the Couvent des Minimes differently by observing details, listening to the territory, and becoming more aware of what usually goes unnoticed". Created in 2023, Provence Culture is a cooperative network of regional cultural stakeholders working to make cultural vitality a driver of solidarity and local innovation. Through this partnership, the Prix Cultures supports emerging contemporary artists whose work tells the story of Provence and reflects the Maison's longstanding belief that culture is a catalyst for social connection and transformation. For L’Occitane en Provence, this cultural approach goes beyond artistic support. The Maison is convinced that culture acts as a creator of social ties, transformation, and better-being. Contes Silencios was unveiled on 26 May 2026 and remain on public display throughout the year. Congratulations to Julia Lema Barros and all the finalists.   Thanks to all involved: Géraldine BAREILLE RENUCCI Olivier Baussan Sarah Belmont Daniel Contorni Camille Eyraud Terrail Adrien Geiger Frédéric Hubin júlia lema barros Celine Marx Patricia Montesinos Fabien Piacentino Carole Redolfi Marjorie ROBERT-ESPAZE Barbara Satre Mathieu VABRE Pierre Vasarely 📸: Loic Legros #LOCCITANEGroup #MaisonLOccitaneenProvence #PrixCultures