Créer des ponts dans la fracture / Create Bridges in the fracture
A Community Supported by the Network Catalyzers Program 2026
Illustration by Gustaf Ö Hjalmars for Fine Acts x OBI
Rural Gentrification and political polarisation are real problems in the countryside of France, and specifically in Perigord Vert, where our community is located, creating different groups of people (elders and newcomers, for example) who live in the same place but don’t know each other and don’t like each other.
This project is the following of an other project, « Les Goûters Historiques de Chalais » where we organize gathering and real life shared and intergenerational moments to collect the story of Chalais by the memories of the elder livers where the new comers came to listen and then organize collective writing workshops to create a collective play that will be played by both elders and new comers. A lot of people came to us to ask about and study our project (researchers, association members, writers, the mayor…).
The idea of « Créer des ponts dans la fracture » is to federate these people and those who work on these topics to share their experiences and works to inspire others and get inspired. A popular education program to collectively study the rural gentrification and help each other to find ways to create common along France
This community is led by Forum member and 2026 Network Catalyzer: Xavier Arrateig
-
Xavier Arrateighas extensive experience in community building and bridging practices. He co-founded an association focused on ecological education, organizing monthly sessions that promoted environmental awareness and reconnecting people to ecological principles. Xavier also initiated Le Jardin des Dingues, a self-managed, participatory festival where attendees contribute to all aspects of the event—food, camping, culture, logistics—creating an immersive environment that fosters connection and collaboration among diverse individuals. Additionally, Xavier co-founded Le Cocon des Canailles, which includes La Guinguette du Touroulet, a community café serving as a local empowerment hub. Through workshops on non-violent communication, conflict resolution, and theater in schools, he creates opportunities for people to work together, build trust, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Visit the 2026 Network Catalyzers Program page for more information about other communities supported by this program.