Yanai (யாைன) : elefant in tamil
Lab : label, laboratory, or labyrinth

HISTORY

Yanai Lab is an independent organization based in Tours, dedicated to live show production and the support of emerging artists in the field of contemporary music.

Yanai Lab was born out of a period of incubation shaped by travels, encounters, and a desire to build bridges between artistic scenes. Historically based in Orléans, the organization initially developed within a dynamic of international cooperation, particularly with India. This positioning echoed the long-standing relationship between the Centre-Val de Loire region and the state of Tamil Nadu, which has fostered cultural, economic, and academic exchanges since the early 2010s. Within this context, Yanai Lab contributed to strengthening connections between French contemporary music actors and professionals from the independent Indian music scene, supporting artistic projects and engaging in reflections on the structuring of the music industry.

Over time, these experiences have shaped the organization’s identity: an open, internationally minded approach grounded in field realities. While remaining attentive to opportunities for international collaboration, Yanai Lab has progressively refocused its activities on the needs of artists and cultural professionals in France, with a particular emphasis on emerging practices and professional structuring.

Since 2020, Yanai Lab has been developing training programs addressing key issues in the live performance sector, including structuring artistic activities, understanding performing arts regulations, supporting the careers of freelance/intermittent artists, and addressing equality issues in the cultural field. The organization now works with higher education institutions, contemporary music networks, and professional support programs. It has also co-developed an online training course dedicated to mapping the music industry.

At the same time, Yanai Lab provides production support for emerging artists who do not yet have a dedicated structure. Through an open catalogue system, artists join a form of “incubator” that allows them to develop their live performance activity, promote their concerts, and gain a practical understanding of production processes.

Yanai Lab also offers tailored, one-on-one support through individual consulting sessions, as well as administrative services, including payroll management for companies and artistic projects, with a particular focus on emerging structures.