“A space for freedom and encounters.” That’s how the Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize, or CCO Villeurbanne, was envisioned. It stands as a testament to cultural and social exchange. Known locally as Le CCO, this center emerged in 1963 near the University campus of La Doua in Villeurbanne.
The Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize is named after Jean-Pierre Lachaize. He was a director deeply involved in the center’s life. He passed away in 2002.
Initially, Father Jean Latreille established a Catholic and Protestant chaplaincy. This was intended for the students of the rapidly growing campus. Between 1966 and 1968, dedicated buildings arose on Rue Georges-Courteline. This was made possible through the financial support of major Lyonnaise companies and banks.
Within the walls of Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize, various associations shared spaces. They used it for work, creation, and concerts. The concert hall could accommodate up to 500 people depending on the setup.
Later, the Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize transitioned into a secular establishment. Yet, it continued its mission. It aimed to be open to the world and cultures from different backgrounds. Since 2018, the CCO has been located at L’Autre Soie. This is a site of the former IUFM-des-Brosses. In this expansive space, 23 entities coexist. They are coordinated by the Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize throughout the year.
In August 2020, the Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize briefly hosted the filming of “Suprêmes.” This is a biographical film about the Suprême NTM music group.
La Rayonne is an initiative led by the CCO. It includes a concert hall, an amphitheater, creative workshops, and a dance studio. It also has a fablab, co-working spaces, and a vast park.
The Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize is more than just a building. It is a hub. It fosters connections. It nurtures creativity. It supports the community. Each year, the Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize engages with around 350 associations from various fields. It welcomes 60 groups of artists into its spaces.
The season at the Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize features key events. These include the Mèmoire Vive and L’Aventure Ordinaire festivals. These festivals showcase a wide array of activities and artistic expressions. These range from dance to theater, singing, and visual arts. They also serve as platforms for sharing ideas through workshops and conferences.
Throughout the year, the Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize partners with artists from diverse fields. They offer creative workshops. Recurring events also take place. These include cinema screenings and yoga classes.
Every week, the Mercredis de l’Autre Soie takes place. It is a free event open to all. It features activities such as thrift shops, artistic workshops, and board games.
The Centre culturel œcuménique Jean-Pierre-Lachaize stands as a beacon of community. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and artistic expression.