Philatelic Document - Euromed - Traditional Mosaics

Marseille Mosaïque, an artistic and civic project. Marseille Mosaïque is the Marseilles-based adventure of the Viv'Arthe association, founded in 2004 by mosaic artist Paola Cervoni. This audacious project was born of a rather crazy challenge: to dress the world's longest bench on Marseille's corniche, facing the sea, in tesserae in the colors of the Mediterranean. In 2007, the idea struck like a bolt of lightning. Leaning against the horizon, looking left and right at this long seat, Paola Cervoni imagines these benches covered in colorful mosaics. This flash of inspiration was to be followed by a long road of perseverance, driven by passion and the desire to share this collective creation. The first mosaics were installed on the corniche in 2015. Schoolchildren were the first creators. Then came associations in the disability sector, followed by families, local businesses, high schools, colleges and retirement homes. And so, year after year, the project grows and its collective multiplies (over 250 partners in total). In 2016, 2,000 Marseillais took part in this artistic adventure on the Corniche Kennedy. By 2025, over 16,000 Marseillais have left their mark on this emblematic city site. Each has carved his or her own identity, told his or her own story, and sublimated our Mediterranean city on this public bench, which has become a link carrying universal messages. The mosaic is a symbol of progressive transformation. Cut: break a standard, file: round off the corners, assemble: build a new image. It's a process of inner and outer transformation. This urban mosaic is a work for all, giving a voice to every inhabitant of Marseilles and encouraging a spirit of benevolence. Marseille Mosaïque is more than a mosaic, it's a collective love story, inscribed in the city, simply to do good and remind us that together, it's better.

Timbre-poste (héliogravure), Document philatélique, Cachet d'oblitération : Création Mathilde Jardin Texte : association Viv’Arthe