Presentation of the programme

The ‘Nouveaux Lieux, Nouveaux Liens’ (‘New Places, New Links’) programme

The policy of providing support for third places since the launch of the programme is an example of a policy co-constructed by the French State and stakeholders in the sector. It is based on work carried out for the ‘New Places, New Links’ interministerial programme led by the French National Agency for Territorial Cohesion (ANCT), in conjunction with the France Tiers-Lieux association.

“Friches culturelles” (culture factories), solidarity cafés, FabLabs, “micro-folies” (new-generation, local cultural platforms), connected campuses… Most French people have already been to a third place. And the numbers are increasing. Third places occupy a position as key players in territorial transition by proposing, for example, local food, artistic activities, renewed emphasis on local production or better access to rights (social benefits, integration policies, etc.). These places already benefit from considerable public support, provided by ministries and regional, Departmental or municipal authorities. The government has decided to strengthen support for these public and private initiatives by adopting a new method of intervention: without imposed or standardised practices, but by supporting and providing all of those involved with useful tools.

By supporting the people who are creating, devising and carrying out these new activities, the government is seeking to:

  • Ensure the sustainability of third-place projects at the local and regional level
  • Promote entrepreneurship by encouraging cooperation
  • Equip and create networks of these professional communities
  • Consolidate the dissemination of public interest activities throughout all local areas.

In particular the programme is a conduit for implementing ministerial initiatives on third places at the territorial level. Its role is to help coordinate and disseminate the schemes concerning third places initiated by the government and its partners in the country: Connected Campuses promoted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the “micro-folies” promoted by the Ministry of Culture, etc.

With the “Nouveaux Lieux, Nouveaux Liens” (New Places New Links) interministerial programme, Nouveaux Lieux, the government is supporting third places that directly improve lives of citizens at the grassroots level.

Key dates

2019

6 ministers launch the ‘New Places, New Links’ programme (labour, higher education, culture, territorial and urban development, economics)

€45 million, corresponding to €150,000 over three years for each winning applicant

Accreditation of the first 80 ‘Fabriques de Territoire’ (territorial third-place resource centres), including 32 ‘Fabriques Numériques’ (territorial digital third-place resource centres)

2019

6 ministers launch the ‘New Places, New Links’ programme (labour, higher education, culture, territorial and urban development, economics)

€45 million, corresponding to €150,000 over three years for each winning applicant

Accreditation of the first 80 ‘Fabriques de Territoire’ (territorial third-place resource centres), including 32 ‘Fabriques Numériques’ (territorial digital third-place resource centres)

First Interministerial Steering Committee bringing together 10 ministers to promote the development of third places

146 certified Fabriques de Territoire

170 representatives of Fabriques brought together for the first time

2020

2020

First Interministerial Steering Committee bringing together 10 ministers to promote the development of third places

146 certified Fabriques de Territoire

170 representatives of Fabriques brought together for the first time

2021

74 new accredited Fabriques de Territoire, for an overall total of 300 accredited centres in all

€140 million allocated to third places:

  • €30 million earmarked for the creation of 100 “Manufactures de Proximité” (collaborative community workshops), 20 with accredited workshop status
  • €50 M invested in developing training in partnership with the High Commission for Competencies at the French Ministry of Labour
  • €20 million to finance 3,000 young people on civic service missions over 3 years
  • €25 million to support digital inclusion in third places, with €15 million made available to support the manufacture of new digital inclusion furniture in third places and by makers
  • €12 M invested over 3 years to finance support for project leaders, the consolidation of the sector and regional networks

representatives of more than 200 Fabriques brought together at the annual meeting

2021

74 new accredited Fabriques de Territoire, for an overall total of 300 accredited centres in all

€140 million allocated to third places:

  • €30 million earmarked for the creation of 100 “Manufactures de Proximité” (collaborative community workshops), 20 with accredited workshop status
  • €50 M invested in developing training in partnership with the High Commission for Competencies at the French Ministry of Labour
  • €20 million to finance 3,000 young people on civic service missions over 3 years
  • €25 million to support digital inclusion in third places, with €15 million made available to support the manufacture of new digital inclusion furniture in third places and by makers
  • €12 M invested over 3 years to finance support for project leaders, the consolidation of the sector and regional networks

representatives of more than 200 Fabriques brought together at the annual meeting