An encounter with Mathieu Pigeot, who will spearhead cultural activities in Moka!

After returning to Mauritius, was it an obvious choice for you to switch careers to the field of culture?

Yes, because I have always had a passion for culture. I discovered documentary photography before starting university, which drove me into the art world. When things fall into place naturally, you know that you are closer to your aspirations, to your heart. And I was warmly welcomed by the arts and culture scene when I returned to Mauritius. Projects followed on quickly from each other, including Dock 13, Tamtam Moris, the ‘Parlons Photo’ platform and the creation of Medium, an association bringing together artists from a range of backgrounds and practices.

What is your vision for Moka Smart City?

I approached the Moka Smart City team with ideas and cultural projects for the city. It was a natural fit for me, as we agreed on the place that art and culture should hold in city and community development. The Moka’mwad initiative shows vividly how much Moka Smart City cares about developing a sense of community in the region. My main task is to use art and culture to give meaning to this development and ultimately, to put Moka on the cultural map of the island.

How do you intend to develop this aspect of the city?

First, by designing experiences and events to enhance community life in Moka (concerts, exhibitions, etc.) and bringing vitality to the places that are available to us. We want to create a vibrant city with vibrant people. Promoting the cultural influence of the region also means supporting projects set up by existing cultural stakeholders by providing them with space to work, partly funding and communicating on their projects. We also dream of developing public art. Streets are the most democratic galleries – they are  accessible to everyone. We should therefore identify places that need reviving and new ones that we would like to bring to life, such as La Promenade and the Telfair Amphitheatre. Finally, we would like to create a major event that would be unique to Moka, but this project is still under consideration.

What inspires you the most in this challenge?

It is to know that the city is still in its early stages, that it is growing and that we are growing with it. The city centre of Telfair will be completed in two years and the challenge is to lay the foundation for a lively and vibrant city. It is also about creating an identity and delivering a cultural programme that appeals to the people of Moka and celebrates the sense of being part of that community. Apart from the operational aspect which consists in coordinating, organising and setting up events, it is a rewarding job from a creative perspective. It gives us the opportunity to gather around a table, discuss projects and find pleasant and enriching initiatives.

We wish Mathieu a great adventure with the Moka Smart City team!