25 years of the Maison des Relations Internationales Nelson Mandela in Montpellier (June 2025)

Nestled in the Hôtel de Sully, the Maison des Relations Internationales Nelson Mandela is an emblematic venue for Montpellier’s international action, a space dedicated to decentralized cooperation, intercultural dialogue and international solidarity.

In June 2025, the MRI has put together an exceptional program of events reflecting 25 years of exchanges, partnerships and international influence: conferences, exhibitions, meetings, cultural evenings… This celebration was an opportunity to share and exchange ideas, but above all to celebrate the diversity and commitment of local players in international action, in the image of Montpellier, an open, cosmopolitan city resolutely turned towards the world.

Swinging Montpellier was associated with this anniversary through the “Swinging On The Map” project, born of the desire to create links with dancers and non-dancers from urban, international, European and diasporic cultures who are far removed from jazz culture…

Swinging On The Map

Rémy Kouakou Kouamé, artistic director of the Swinging Montpellier festival, hosted an educational Jam open to all. A pedagogical jam is a dance and music workshop, where a progression in movement is proposed to explore the jazz repertoire. Playful and intuitive, this device is highly inclusive and appreciated by dancers and non-dancers alike. Movement is combined with exercises in musicality (listening to music) and polyrhythm. Finally, the session ended with a time for discussion and social practice (street dance).

Some images from Swinging On The Map