Interview with Hervé Boissière: The Verbier Cultural Centre

Funded by private capital, this venue for excellence, encounters, and transmission aims to be open to all. An update with Hervé Boissière, President of the Centre’s Development Committee and Co-General Director of the Verbier Festival.

“This important work of dialogue and mediation is fundamental to our approach.”
Hervé Boissière, President of the Verbier Cultural Centre’s Development Committee

What are the major aspirations for this future centre?

We are pursuing two objectives. The first is to create a space for living, meeting, creating, and sharing for both local residents and visitors. The appropriation of this cultural centre by the population is essential.

Second objective: excellence, a value consistent with Verbier, which has long proven its ability to create a unique destination.

This multidisciplinary space holds many other assets…

An important point, and probably still insufficiently understood, is that the centre is not solely a cultural venue. Congresses, conventions, seminars, and other professional events will be welcome here. Currently, Verbier suffers from a lack of infrastructure in this area.

However, this segment represents economic potential for the destination and will enhance its attractiveness. But the centre must be part of sustainable and responsible growth.

Since last year’s presentations, what new milestones have been reached?

With the Foundation Board, we have progressed on the building’s design. We have defined the main spaces and their functions, with a priority on the auditorium: exceptional acoustics.

In parallel, we have increased meetings with the public to listen to expectations, answer questions, and explain the project. This important work of dialogue and mediation is fundamental to our approach. We are also continuing the fundraising campaign. It should be noted that the project will not incur any cost to taxpayers, as it is entirely funded by private capital.

Interview by Marie-Madeleine Gabioud with Hervé Boissière

The Verbier Festival wishes to express its deepest gratitude to its patrons, sponsors, partners and public institutions for their support and generous contributions.