Êtesvous

Êtesvous is a cross-disciplinary cultural project that operates as both a curated event series and a digital platform. The name blends the French phrase êtes-vous, meaning "are you," with the concept of a rendezvous, signaling a planned encounter between participants and ideas.

Originating in Paris in 2012, Êtesvous began as an open-ended experiment in public gatherings that fuse performance, discussion, and collaborative creation. The model spread through partnerships with independent venues and cultural organizations, growing into a network of local chapters in several cities.

Typical editions center around a theme and feature a program of live performances, readings, talks, and interactive installations. Instead of a disposable show, audiences participate in discussions, workshops, and co-creation activities. A companion digital platform provides schedules, venue maps, and user-contributed content, while venues are selected to encourage dialogue over spectacle.

Programming is curated by rotating teams of artists, writers, and researchers. Tickets generally follow a pay-what-you-can or sliding-scale scheme to improve accessibility, with volunteer roles and sponsorships supporting operations. The project emphasizes inclusive participation, accessibility of venues, and multilingual communication.

Reception has described Êtesvous as a form of experimental social architecture that tests how urban spaces can nurture cross-disciplinary conversation. Critics point to potential exclusivity or performativity and call for ongoing attention to affordability and representational balance.