In turmoil, the Villa Noailles in Hyères is looking for new management

In early May, in a press release following its general meeting, the Villa Noailles association announced "a rethought governance" for the emblematic site of the city of palm trees, which had been in turmoil for several weeks due to a deficit of nearly 4 million euros.

"Jean-Pierre Blanc, founder of the festivals and general director for thirty years, has chosen to devote himself to artistic direction. Thus, a new general director will be chosen shortly in consultation with all the partners," the press release continued.

And while a board meeting - ultimately postponed - was supposed to meet this Wednesday to discuss the future, a particularly detailed advertisement for "the position of site director" was posted Tuesday on ProfilCulture, a website specializing in job offers in the cultural and media sectors.

"A permanent contract starting September 1, 2025, to lead a recovery project, redefine priorities, structure appropriate governance, and develop a multi-year strategic plan, structured around clear artistic, organizational, and financial objectives," the announcement states. A call for applications linked to " the transformation phase requiring renewed and ambitious leadership decided after the association's general meeting, in conjunction with public partners... "

This position will be placed " under the authority of the president and the board of directors " and will have the following main responsibilities: "the development of a multi-year strategic plan to sustainably reposition the structure, the design and implementation of the artistic programming, the consolidation of the internal organization, the strengthening of ties with partners, the management of communication, the promotion of events, and the representation of the Villa Noailles..."

Chanel in retreat

Regarding the qualities of the profile sought, the list is also very long: "higher education (Bac + 5 or equivalent) in cultural management, public management, political science, or artistic disciplines, strong ability to mobilize funding, structure partnerships, seek patronage and negotiate agreements."

"A very good knowledge of public cultural policies, contemporary artistic networks and their challenges" is also required. Without forgetting "very good English, strong leadership, great listening, analytical and mediation skills, integrity, professional ethics and a sense of public service..."

Finally, "significant experience in managing complex cultural structures or projects, ideally in a context of transformation or relaunch" is also desirable.

The appointment of this new director and the establishment of a new governance structure could help reassure the many patrons who have been wary since the revelations of recent weeks and who contribute heavily to the Villa Noailles' budget.

According to the online media Miss Tweed , information confirmed to our colleagues at Télérama but which we were unable to obtain confirmation from the association, the Chanel brand, a long-standing partner, has announced the suspension of its financial support for the Fashion Festival, "pending the establishment of new governance."

The rare pearl is therefore expected to appear quickly...