Since 2001, Hervé Schiavetti is the mayor of Arles and a very active partner of the Rencontres.
I think that my first memory of the Rencontres is from the mid 1980’s. I was shocked to see projections in the Place du Forum when there were some excellent ones in the magic frame that is the Ancient Theater! I did not understand that it was the birth of the Off, created by Chabassus, “the cat” (“Le chat”).
My most beautiful memory, the most touching without a doubt, is the large Willy Ronis exhibition at the Sainte Anne church, in the City Hall square. Such a human gaze, his gentle and social approach of the world, without heaviness nor demonstration, has really touched me, and I think about it every year when time get near the Rencontres. Willy Ronis was there, incredibly available, signing his books non stop, answering everybody, talking… It was the last exhibition of his lifetime…..
Archives of the Eye of Photography – Catherine Philippot et Christian Caujolle, 2011
