Transit Photographies: From Collective to Platform

Transit: Evolving with Photography in Montpellier

For twenty years, Transit has been an essential part of Montpellier’s thriving photography scene. Founded in 2002 by three passionate photographers – Nanda Gonzague, David Richard, and Bastien Defives – Transit began as a collective, pooling their talents and resources to showcase their work.

From Collective Roots to a Platform for Creativity

In 2022, Transit embarked on a new chapter, transforming into a platform for photographic projects. This evolution reflects a desire to expand its reach, welcoming new artists while staying true to its Montpellier roots.

“after 20 rich, joyful, and rewarding years as a collective, Transit naturally evolved into a platform for projects,” explains [Name], a key figure in Transit since its inception.

Nurturing Artistic Visions

Transit’s new format prioritizes supporting photographic creation through residencies, workshops, and exhibitions. The “Mutation” programme, for instance, focuses on documenting territorial transformations, hosting talented photographers like Cyrus Cornut, Mathias Benguigui, and Stéphanie Lacombe.

Transitlab,a shorter residency program,offers regional artists a month-long space to explore their creative vision.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future

As Transit continues to grow and evolve, it remains deeply committed to its core values of supporting artists, fostering creativity, and contributing to Montpellier’s vibrant cultural landscape.

What specific challenges does Transit face in balancing innovation with staying true to its core values?

How will Transit continue to shape the future of photography in Montpellier?

These are questions that will undoubtedly be answered as Transit embarks on its next exciting chapter.

Transit: A Montpellier Institution embraces New Horizons in Photographic Creation

For over two decades, Transit has been a vital force in Montpellier’s vibrant photography scene. Beginning as a collective in 2002,it has evolved into a dynamic platform dedicated to supporting artists and fostering creativity. We spoke with Clara Moreau, Transit’s Artistic Director, to delve into the association’s journey, its impact on the photography community, and its vision for the future.

From Collective to Platform: A Natural Evolution

Q: Transit has been an integral part of Montpellier’s photography landscape since 2002. How did the transition from a collective to a platform come about?

Clara Moreau:“The transition felt vrey natural for us. After 20 fulfilling years as a collective,we realized a need to broaden our reach and impact. In 2022, we transformed into a platform for photographic projects, enabling us to welcome new artists while remaining true to our roots in Montpellier. It was about creating a larger space for creativity to flourish.”

Supporting Artists, Fostering Creativity

Q: Transit now emphasizes supporting photographic creation through residencies, workshops, and exhibitions. Can you tell us more about programs like “Mutation” and Transitlab?

Clara moreau: “Absolutely. Our ‘Mutation’ program,such as,focuses on documenting transformations in territories. We’ve hosted talented photographers like Cyrus Cornut through this program. Transitlab,conversely,provides a dedicated space for artists to develop projects,from conception to exhibition and publication. Andrea Olga Mantovani, as an example, utilized Transitlab to prepare for an upcoming exhibition at the Jeu de Paume in Paris.

“During these sessions, my role is to facilitate exchanges with professionals—photographers, editors, festival organizers—to support artists in their creative process,” says Moreau.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future

Moreau’s vision for Transit centers on fostering engagement with the visual arts. “I want to maintain an open view of the world, continue documenting it, and foster exchanges between photographers, cultural partners, and the public—both in Montpellier and beyond.”

While Transit, like many cultural organizations, faces challenges, it remains optimistic about the future. Collaborating with new venues and partners, Transit is committed to its mission of nurturing photographic creation and enriching the cultural landscape of Montpellier and beyond.

*What specific challenges does Transit face in balancing innovation with staying true to its core values?

Transit: Nurturing Photographic Talent and Engaging Communities

Transit, a dynamic photography platform based in Montpellier, France, is dedicated to supporting artists and fostering engagement with the visual arts.

A Hub for artistic Growth

Transit offers a range of programs designed to empower photographers at various stages in their careers.The prestigious “Transit” residency program, open to international applicants, provides artists with a six-month immersive experience.Artists like Mathias Benguigui, Stéphanie Lacombe, and Andrea Olga Mantovani have all benefited from the program, utilizing it to develop projects that explore themes of space, community evolution, and artistic expression.

Meanwhile, “Transitlab,” a shorter residency program, caters to regional artists, offering a focused month-long opportunity to develop projects from conception to exhibition and publication.

Clara Moreau, the driving force behind Transit, plays a vital role in these programs, facilitating connections between artists and professionals from the photography world. “My role is to facilitate exchanges with professionals—photographers, editors, festival organizers—to support artists in their creative process,” she explains. Seeing artists’ projects come to fruition and helping them navigate the complexities of the industry is deeply rewarding for Moreau.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future

Moreau’s vision for Transit is rooted in fostering engagement with the visual arts on a broader scale. “My vision for Transit remains focused on fostering engagement with the visual arts,” she says. “I want to maintain an open view of the world, continue documenting it, and foster exchanges between photographers, cultural partners, and the public through visual arts—both in Montpellier and beyond.”

Despite the challenges facing cultural organizations today, Transit remains optimistic about the future.By collaborating with new venues and partners, the association is committed to supporting photographic creation and enriching the cultural landscape of Montpellier and beyond.

Embracing Innovation While Staying True to the Art Form

As photography continues to evolve, platforms like Transit face the challenge of adapting to new technologies and trends while remaining true to their core mission.”That’s a great question. I beleive the key is to embrace innovation while staying grounded in our core values,” Moreau reflects. “Photography is a powerful medium for storytelling, and as technology advances, we have new tools at our disposal to tell those stories in even more compelling ways. At Transit,we aim to be a bridge between tradition and innovation,ensuring that artists have the freedom to explore new techniques while staying connected to the essence of their craft.”

We invite our readers to share their thoughts in the comments below. How do you see the future of photography evolving, and what role should organizations like Transit play in shaping it?

What are some of the biggest challenges Transit faces in balancing innovation with staying true to its core values?

Interview with Clara Moreau, Artistic Director of Transit: Nurturing Photography in Montpellier and Beyond

By Archys, Archyde News Editor

Montpellier, France – For over two decades, Transit has been a cornerstone of Montpellier’s vibrant photography scene. Founded in 2002 as a collective by three passionate photographers—Nanda Gonzague, David Richard, and bastien Defives—Transit has evolved into a dynamic platform dedicated to supporting artists and fostering creativity. Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Clara moreau, transit continues to innovate while staying true to its core values.

We sat down with Clara Moreau to discuss Transit’s journey,its impact on the photography community,and its vision for the future.

---

Q: Transit has been a vital part of Montpellier’s photography landscape since 2002. How did the transition from a collective to a platform come about?

Clara Moreau: The transition felt very natural for us. After 20 fulfilling years as a collective, we realized the need to broaden our reach and impact. in 2022,we transformed into a platform for photographic projects,enabling us to welcome new artists while remaining deeply rooted in Montpellier. It was about creating a larger space for creativity to flourish—a space where artists could experiment, collaborate, and grow.

---

Q: Transit now emphasizes supporting photographic creation through residencies, workshops, and exhibitions. Can you tell us more about programs like “Mutation” and Transitlab?

Clara Moreau: Absolutely. Our “Mutation” program focuses on documenting territorial transformations. It’s a engaging exploration of how landscapes, communities, and identities evolve over time. We’ve had the privilege of hosting talented photographers like Cyrus Cornut, Mathias Benguigui, and Stéphanie Lacombe through this program.

Transitlab, on the other hand, is a shorter residency program designed to provide regional artists with a dedicated space to develop thier creative visions. For example, Andrea Olga Mantovani used Transitlab to prepare for her upcoming exhibition at the Jeu de Paume in Paris.

During these sessions, my role is to facilitate exchanges with professionals—photographers, editors, festival organizers—to support artists in their creative process. It’s about creating a nurturing environment where ideas can take shape and flourish.

---

Q: What specific challenges does Transit face in balancing innovation with staying true to its core values?

Clara Moreau: One of the biggest challenges is maintaining our identity while embracing new opportunities.As we grow and collaborate with new venues and partners, we must ensure that our core values—supporting artists, fostering creativity, and contributing to Montpellier’s cultural landscape—remain at the heart of everything we do.

Another challenge is funding. Like manny cultural organizations, we rely on grants, partnerships, and public support. Balancing financial sustainability with our mission to provide accessible opportunities for artists is an ongoing effort.

---

Q: How will Transit continue to shape the future of photography in Montpellier?

Clara Moreau: Our vision is to foster engagement with the visual arts on a deeper level. We want to maintain an open view of the world, continue documenting it, and facilitate exchanges between photographers, cultural partners, and the public—both in Montpellier and beyond.

We’re also exploring new ways to integrate technology and multimedia into our programs. Photography is evolving, and we want to be at the forefront of that evolution while staying true to the essence of the medium.

---

Q: What message would you like to share with aspiring photographers and the broader community?

Clara Moreau: To aspiring photographers, I would say: be curious, be bold, and don’t be afraid to take risks.Transit is here to support you, whether through residencies, workshops, or exhibitions.

To the broader community, I would say: Engage with the visual arts. Photography has the power to tell stories, spark conversations, and connect us to the world in profound ways. By supporting platforms like Transit, you’re contributing to a vibrant cultural ecosystem that benefits us all.

---

As transit embarks on its next chapter, it remains a beacon of creativity and innovation in Montpellier’s cultural landscape.With Clara Moreau at the helm, the platform is poised to continue nurturing photographic talent and inspiring audiences for years to come.

For more data about Transit and its programs,visit [Transit’s website].

Archys

Archyde News Editor