Artissimo

Presentation

Artissimo is an arts and cultural association based in Saint-Romain-le-Puy , in the Loire department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Founded in 1995 , it emerged at a time when the range of activities available to children in the town was still primarily sports-oriented. Several mothers who participated in arts activities in Montbrison envisioned the creation of a local organization to develop dance and other forms of artistic expression in Saint-Romain-le-Puy . Nearly thirty years later, Artissimo has become a long-standing and vital part of the local cultural scene.

Circus arts

Circus arts are now one of its regular activities. Classes are held at the Jacques Fréry Hall , 3 rue du Collège in Saint-Romain-le-Puy . For the 2026-2027 season, the association offers two levels: Circus Awakening for children aged 4 to 6 and Circus Arts classes for children aged 7 to 14. The activity is led by Fabien Graci . Information was updated on August 20, 2026, by the Loire Forez Tourist Office , ensuring the most up-to-date schedules and prices for the 2026 academic year .

Pedagogy

Circus arts workshops offer young children a first introduction to the world of circus. This approach allows them to gradually develop their motor skills , coordination , balance , and relationship to space and others, all while discovering the joy of artistic practice. From age 7 , the sessions are longer and allow for a deeper exploration of circus arts.

Federal affiliations

Artissimo is currently part of the French Federation of Circus Schools (FFEC) network. The FFEC lists the association in Saint-Romain-le-Puy with its address, email, and contact information, and the FREC Rhône-Alpes includes it among its schools. This federation affiliation confirms the association's focus on circus arts as a truly structured activity, rather than simply a one-off event.

Recent history

Artissimo 's recent history also testifies to a well-established circus arts tradition. A municipal profile of the association already indicated that Fabien Graci was teaching circus arts to approximately 35 students in Saint-Romain-le-Puy , in addition to his work with other associations and schools. Three employees were then responsible for the dance, circus, and theater activities.

Multidisciplinarity

Artissimo 's unique characteristic lies in its multidisciplinary nature. The association is not limited to circus arts. It also develops dance , children's theater , and, for the period 2026-2028 currently published by the Loire Department , drawing and batucada classes. This diversity allows several forms of artistic expression to coexist within the same association.

Dance

Dance has historically held an important place in its mission. Artissimo is also listed by the French Dance Federation . Circus and dance come together particularly during major end-of-year events: the Loire Department , for example, supported the association in organizing a dance gala and a circus performance .

Children's Theatre

The association also develops theatre for young audiences . Current activities are aimed at children aged 6 to 14. Historically, Artissimo had already established a theatre section which later merged with another local organization before a workshop for children was re-established. Fabien Graci participated in this relaunch while also teaching circus arts.

Local life and solidarity

Artissimo also maintains a close relationship with the life of Saint-Romain-le-Puy . Galas, shows, local events, cultural projects, and charitable initiatives punctuate its activities. It has notably participated in initiatives benefiting Secours Populaire , the Red Cross , and other causes, and has been involved in the Fête des Vignerons (Winegrowers' Festival) organized with local partners.

Support and projects 2026

This location remains very relevant. In 2026 , Artissimo continues to benefit from the support of the municipality and to participate in local artistic projects; a municipal council meeting in February 2026 mentions, for example, an intervention entrusted to the association as part of the preparation of a show.

Shows and galas

The association also organizes shows allowing students to present their work. Its annual gala remains an important event in local cultural life: municipal archives attest to several hundred spectators at previous editions, and local sources confirm that an end-of-year gala will still be held in 2026 .

Conclusion

For families wishing to discover circus arts in Saint-Romain-le-Puy , Artissimo offers a local facility accessible from age 4. Its integration into the FFEC network, the continuity of its circus arts training, its non-profit structure, and its integration with dance and theatre give it a unique identity: that of a local arts school where circus arts are part of a broader cultural project.