The Centre International des Musiques Nomades was created in 2011 through the merging of the Grenoble Jazz and 38 Rugissants festivals in Grenoble, with the aims of bringing together and enabling a conversation between contemporary musical compositions and the oral traditions of jazz and world music, as well as reflecting a globalised culture, and supporting creativity and emerging artists.

The CIMN adopts a transversal and transcultural approach to musical creation that goes beyond genres and aesthetics, opening its arms wide to cultures from around the world.

The Détours de Babel Festival

As the focal point where these various actions come together, the Détours de Babel Festival is held for three weeks each spring, throughout the Grenoble urban area and Isère, in collaboration with partner venues, including events at museums and heritage sites, as well as in neighbourhoods, local gathering places and living spaces.

More than 80 concerts and shows, many of which are currently being created, are put on each year at more than 40 venues in 20 towns around Isère.

Performances and shows, participative and fun events, brunches, “living room” concerts, installations, meetings and workshops offer a diverse range of experiences, bringing together professionals and amateurs, as well as different segments of the public, around this melting pot of musical creativity. 

The Théâtre Sainte-Marie-d’en-Bas

After winning a call for projects issued by the City of Grenoble, the CIMN has been located at the Théâtre Sainte-Marie-d’en-Bas since September 2019.

In this former chapel located in the heart of Grenoble’s historical city centre, the CIMN organises creative residencies, as well as productions and performances of concerts and shows, special themed events, participative projects and more, throughout the year.

Linked to these projects, numerous cultural actions are organised to reach out to new audiences