La Vapeur is the historic concert hall of the city of Dijon. It opened its doors in 1995 and since then, several generations of Dijon residents, Côte d'Oriens and Burgundians (and even beyond) have gathered there to attend a concert, play on stage or in a rehearsal studio, take part in a workshop or a training session on contemporary music. Today, La Vapeur is a public establishment of the city of Dijon, labeled "Scène de Musiques Actuelles" (SMAC) by the Ministry of Culture in 2012 and completely renovated since 2018, by Marie-José Barthélémy, urban architect of the Parisian Office of Architecture.
Designed as a small village around a hall and a foyer in continuity with the public space via a forecourt open to the neighbourhood, the facility occupies 3,000 m² and has a 1,200-seat concert hall (including 90 seats in the balcony), a 230-seat club, 7 rehearsal and creation studios, 1 room devoted to cultural action, offices for the staff and reception areas for artists (dressing rooms, production office, catering room).
Around this equipment, the project led by the team is oriented in three main axes
- broadcasting: concerts offered by La Vapeur, its cultural partners and Dijon producers, with a focus on diversity
- cultural mediation: meetings open to all or tailor-made projects with social and educational actors, to increase the possibilities of access to cultural practice and experience for all
- Artistic action: a toolbox for all amateur and professional musicians: advice, personalised support, training, rehearsals and residencies to support musical practice, development and artistic creation.