À At the helm of Marsatac since 1999, the Marseille-based director has made her festival a laboratory for social and cultural innovation, combining cutting-edge programming with civic engagement.

“When I think back to ’99, the first feeling that comes to mind is pride.” Twenty-eight years after its initial 100% hip-hop edition, the woman who was made an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2023 has lost none of her enthusiasm. She sees these distinctions as recognition for her teams. Because Marsatac is a collective adventure that mobilizes 800 people in Parc Borély. “We are Marseille,” she reminds us. This DNA is reflected throughout the year with the Marsatac School, which introduces young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods to the event industry: “It’s about letting them discover the festival and planting a seed of civic engagement.” 

The commitment is visceral. In 2021, Safer was launched, a pioneering initiative for preventing sexual and gender-based violence (with booths staffed by psychologists and lawyers, outreach teams, and a geolocation app): "We've given ourselves the means to ensure everyone can celebrate with the utmost respect." The tool has since spread to nearly 300 festivals across France. For Béatrice Desgranges, festivals are trailblazers: "We're a laboratory; we experiment with actions that inspire tomorrow's public policies." Committed to eco-responsibility since 2008, Marsatac now collaborates with the Ministry of Culture to develop regulations. The 2026 edition confirmed this momentum with a full Saturday and a unique family-friendly Sunday for €15, combining the Marsatac School with local collectives. "I wanted it to be a celebration for the people of Marseille." Faced with the obstacles, his conclusion is swift: "Seeing the strength of this team and all these people involved, that's what makes me proud."