December 2008
Paris life models make nude protest to demand respect ... and better pay
In front of the tastefully decorated Christmas trees outside Paris city hall's culture department, the naked and goose-pimpled models demanded a pay increase, proper contracts and, most of all, respect for their craft as they held trade union banners in the pose of Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People. more >
Meeting on culture and youth in the Mediterranean
This meeting brought together the members of EUROMEDINCULTURE, a Euro-Mediterranean Network of Cultural Organisations, in order to foster the mobility of young cultural professionals by accessing existing European programmes. more >
November 2008
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Avignon Forum
Aga Khan on the value and importance of cultural diversity and its role in promoting peace and development (Avignon, France) more >
New issues and models surrounding cultural sponsorship presented at the first CultureBusiness forum
The first ever CULTUREBUSINESS forum organised by AGENDA brought together an international audience of over 200 participants at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris on the 20th and 21st November to tackle and discuss new practices and issues surrounding commercial sponsorship at this time of crisis. more >
2009 Catalogue - Council of Europe Publishing
Council of Europe Publishing is the Organisation’s official publishing arm and offers a wide choice of books and electronic products in all the subject areas linked to the co-operation developed between the 47 member states. The 2009 catalogue is now available for download. more >
October 2008
French minister promises action
Christine Albanel, French Minister of Culture and Communication, has told European indie group Impala that the French government will almost immediately debate a Creation and Internet law proposal to examine how to deal with online piracy. more >
Sophia Labadi is the winner of CPRA 2008
Dr. Sophia Labadi, a young French international expert on cultural heritage and cultural diversity, is the winner of the Cultural Policy Research Award 2008, with the research project 'Measuring the socio-economic impacts of regenerated heritage sites characterised by a high degree of cultural diversity'. more >
September 2008
URBACT Culture report on line
The recent report by URBACT Culture examines the impact of cultural activities and creative industries on cities. more >
UNESCO-Aschberg Bursaries for Artists
The UNESCO-Aschberg Bursaries for Artists promote the mobility of young artists in order to enrich their personal perspectives, to enable them to engage in an intercultural dialogue and expose them to cultural diversity. more >
July 2008
Main results of the informal meeting of Ministers for Culture
Christine Albanel, French Minister for Culture and Communication, brought together her fellow EU ministers for an informal meeting in Versailles on 21-22 July. more >
Meeting of the council of territorial authorities for cultural development
The Council was able to define the themes of work for the coming months around broad subjects such as heritage, and education and training. more >
Réunion du conseil des collectivités territoriales pour le développement culturel
Ce conseil a permis de définir des thèmes de travail pour les mois à venir autour de grands sujets comme le patrimoine, et l'éducation et la formation. more >
Invited to the Libération forum, Christine Albanel defends her actions
Should the Ministry of Culture be abolished? This was the (deliberately provocative) theme of the debate between Christine Albanel and the Communist Senator Jack Ralite. This was an opportunity for the Minister to outline why the Ministry is necessary. more >
Invitée au forum de Libération, Christine Albanel défend son action
Faut-il supprimer le ministère de la culture ? Tel était le thème - volontairement provocateur - du débat entre Christine Albanel et le sénateur communiste Jack Ralite. L’occasion pour la ministre de préciser pourquoi le ministère de la culture est nécessaire. more >
Music industry – signing of an historic agreement between corporate partners
Music industry: Christine Albanel, Minister of Culture and Communication, celebrates the signing of an historic agreement between corporate partners. more >
Industrie musicale - Signature d’un accord historique entre partenaires sociaux
Industrie musicale : Christine Albanel, ministre de la Culture et de la Communication, se réjouit tout particulièrement de la signature d’un accord historique entre partenaires sociaux. more >
June 2008
First Extraordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Committee
The First Extraordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 24 to 27 June 2008. more >
Minister of hope
Jack Lang served as culture minister from 1981-1991. Mention his name to French people, and all at once their moods change, their faces light up and their eyes sparkle. more >
The cultural domain is just as sexist as the others
Contrary to popular opinion, the cultural workplace is just as sexist as that of politics or finance. more >
Commission on Culture and Disability
Christine Albanel, Minister of Culture and Communication, and Valérie Létard, Secretary of State for Solidarity, reaffirmed the resolve of the government to give the greatest possible number of disabled people access to the world of culture. more >
Commission Culture et Handicap
Christine Albanel, ministre de la Culture et de la Communication, et Valérie Létard, secrétaire d'Etat chargé de la Solidarité, ont présidé la réunion annuelle de la Commission Culture et Handicap pour réaffirmer la volonté du gouvernement de respecter les engagements de la loi du 11 février 2005 afin de faire accéder plus largement les personnes handicapées à l’univers de la culture. more >
2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage becoming operational
After two years of intense work by the Intergovernmental Committee, the Operational Directives of the 2003 Convention are ready for consideration by the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention when it meets in Paris (16-19 June). Once approved, the 2003 Convention becomes fully operational.
more >
The cultural challenges of the French Presidency of the European Union
From the 1st of July, France will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In the Cultural and Audiovisual areas, how will France respond to the issues presented to the European Union members? more >
Les défis culturels de la présidence française de l’Union européenne
A partir du 1er juillet, la France va assurer, pendant six mois, la présidence du conseil de l’union européenne. Sur le plan culturel et audiovisuel, comment va-t-elle répondre aux enjeux qui se posent aux vingt-sept? more >
May 2008
Cultural information project entitled ‘Global Cultural Futures’ launched
At a meeting on March 27-28, at which 30 scholars, journalists, cultural policy experts and officials from all continents took part, a new cultural information project was launched entitled ‘Global Cultural Futures’, an offshoot of the Cultures and Globalization Series. more >
Christine Albanel celebrates the French spirit of responsibility
Christine Albanel, Minister of Culture and Communication, has celebrated the French spirit of responsibility following the publication of the IPSOS survey relating to a mechanism for the prevention of piracy of cultural works on the Internet. more >
Christine Albanel se félicite de l’esprit de responsabilité des Français
Christine Albanel, ministre de la Culture et de la Communication, s’est félicitée de l’esprit de responsabilité des Français après la publication du sondage IPSOS relatif au mécanisme de prévention du piratage des oeuvres culturelles sur Internet. more >
Evaluation of the World Observatory on the Social Status of the Artist
UNESCO is undertaking an evaluation of the World Observatory on the Social Status of the Artist through an online survey (in English, French and Spanish). Responses due by 20 May 2008.
FR: évaluation de l’Observatoire mondial sur la condition sociale de l’artiste
ES: evaluación del Observatorio mundial sobre la condición del artista
more >
World Day for Cultural Diversity
In the lead-up to the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May, Director-General of UNESCO Koïchiro Matsuura reinforces culture as a contributor to sustainable development that respects people and environments, and serves the cause of dialogue and peace. more >
Study into free museum entry
‘Free entry to museums and monuments: what do French visitors think?’. The study explains the complexity of visitor perceptions of free entry. From what angle should it be judged? A cultural angle? In terms of marketing? Or in economic terms? more >
La gratuité des musées
L’étude traduit la complexité de la perception des publics face à la gratuité. Sous quel angle la juger? Un angle culturel ? En terme de marketing? more >
Kylie Minogue gets French cultural honour
Culture Minister Christine Albanel has presented the Chevalier dans l'ordre des Arts et Lettres, one of of France's top cultural awards, to Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue. more >
April 2008
New structure for the central administration of the Ministry of Culture and Communication
During the Council on the modernisation of public policy on 4 April, the President of the Republic, and the Prime Minister, announced that the Ministry of Culture and Communication will be organised ‘into three general departments, and a general Secretariat’. more >
French Art for the French
France's Culture Ministry has announced measures aimed at reversing the general lack of interest among the French in buying art — a deficiency some fear is slowly bleeding an enormous vein of national culture dry. more >
Sarkozy and the embarrassment quotient
Nearly a year into his term, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France has hardly mentioned the arts or culture. In late February, he said that French cuisine should be added to the Unesco World Heritage list. more >
World Book and Copyright Day
By celebrating this day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. more >
Renewal plan for the French Art Market
Christine Albanel, Minister of Culture and Communication, will present her Renewal Plan for the French Art Market at a press conference on Wendesday 2 April. more >
March 2008
Are Tax Credits for 'Cultural' Games a Good Thing?
Should video games with 'cultural value' receive government support? more >
Three symposia on cultural diversity
On 21 February, in order to institute the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, Christine Albanel met with the 'French coalition', which brings together around 50 professional cultural organisations. more >
Protests Against French Cultural Budget Continue
Following last week's strike, the French cultural sector continues to protest the national ministry of culture. more >
February 2008
Dissemination of our collections overseas
The Minister of Culture and Communication (public art commission) and Culturesfrance have jointly launched the programme "Publics/Publiques". more >
Nicolas Sarkozy's gold retirement for rock dinosaurs
Sir Cliff Richard and other ageing British artists may be heading for a more comfortable retirement, thanks to Nicolas Sarkozy and his friendship with the dinosaurs of the early French rock era. more >
Colloquium for closing the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
France's Ministry of Culture and Communications is calling for contributions, to a colloquium to close Europe's year of intercultural dialogue that focusses on the concept of intercultural dialogue and the EU’s relations with the rest of the world. more >
January 2008
French Cyberistes Moan in Pain at Government Cuts
Creative media groups have reacted negatively to a perceived withdrawal of support to media culture by the French Ministry of Culture. more >
Launch of International Year of Languages
On 21 February UNESCO and the Council of Europe will host a seminar to launch the International Year of Languages, followed by an information seminar on normative instruments promoting multilingualism. more >
Letter to our American friends
As we start the new year, isn't this the time to send out wishes? An ardent wish that we set at your feet in the form of this little registered letter!The wish that you will offer us as often as possible a present as big as this magnificent cover of Time, taking the death of Marcel Marceau as pretext, with a tearful mime on the cover. more >
Sarkozy shakes up French TV
The President plans to overhaul public television in a 'cultural revolution' he says will change the landscape of France's cultural policy. more >
December 2007
Artistic and Cultural Education
Report: Analysis and recommendations on cultural and artistic education. more >
Prestigious museums to form 'cultural G8'
A new collaboration between eight major arts institutions will mark a 'turning point in the planet-wide coordination of cultural policy.' more >
Arts sales: Sotheby's puts on French style
In July the French Government reduced the droit de suite, or resale royalty due in France to European artists and their heirs, from three per cent to a maximum of €12,500 on any lot. more >
Translation at the heart of Cultural Diversity
Index Translationum is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The Index is an instrument for observing and evaluating translation flows and serves as a basis for the elaboration of cultural policies in the book sector. more >
November 2007
Culture Europe International is now on the internet!
Culture Europe International has become an online magazine, freely available on the website. more >
French gov't plans to disconnect content pirates
The French government plans to extend measures to deal with digital piracy, cutting off the Internet connections of those suspected of illegal filesharing. more >
The Death of French Culture
Due in part to government cultural policies, France is a wilting power in the global cultural marketplace. But it can regain its reputation as a cultural power if the more conventional minds of the French cultural establishment stop fretting about decline and start applauding the ferment on the fringes. more >
Participation in the Education, Youth and Culture Council
The principal focus of the Culture section of the Council of Ministers is the adoption of a resolution regarding a European cultural agenda. more >
October 2007
Strengthening of cultural policies and new projects
Christine Albanel announced "Strengthening cultural policies" as a priority following the budget announcement for 2008. more >
Is Maori Head Body Part or Art?
France's Ministry of Culture has stepped in to block the return to New Zealand of a mummified head of a Maori warrior. more >
Nine new members elected to World Heritage Committee
In announcing the World Heritage Committee' s new members, UNESCO's Director-General invited Member States to work for synergy among the organization's 3 main cultural diversity instruments. more >
Second meeting of the Working Group on Culture - Report
The Working Group on Culture is the meeting point of cities, local governments and networks that place culture at the heart of their development processes. more >
European Parliament scheme for artist mobility under discussion
European Parliament has heard a proposal to launch a €3m pilot project to support artists’ mobility in Europe. more >
French parliament gives green light to Abu Dhabi Louvre
The French parliament on Tuesday approved plans to build a branch of the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, despite opposition from leftists who say the venture cheapens France's top art institution. more >
UNESCO: a Will and a Way
What are UNESCO’s priorities for the next two years? They will be determined by its 193 Member States during the General Conference held at the Organization’s Headquarters from 16 October to 3 November. On the list of UNESCO’s top priorities are cultural diversity and dialogue between cultures. more >
September 2007
Sarkozy seeks restoration of France's faded former glories in art
Culture Minister Christine Albanel has been instructed by President Sarkozy to slash the taxes and red tape that are blamed for shunting Paris into the sidings of artistic history. Among the proposals are a reduction in tax on art imports and interest-free loans for collectors. more >
The influence of French culture: a priority
In this interview, Christine Albanel outlines her priorities for French cultural policy. more >
August 2007
Louvre Abu Dhabi to Be Overseen by New French Museums Authority
A new organisation representing prominent French cultural institutions. more >
Sarkozy out to 'democratize' culture
France's new president has written to culture minister outlining his plans to 'democratize' culture and calling for close cooperation between the ministries of culture and education. more >
A Constructive Take on US-French Culture Wars
Martel has done the equivalent of heaving a boulder into the pond of cultural affairs. more >
July 2007
Seducing France into affairs of the arts
France’s new culture minister has responded with noticeable caution to the proposal to allow free access to the permanent collections of major museums, saying the initial experiment will be carefully studied. more >
Call for Application for Artist/Managers of Independent Creative Art Spaces
ASEF has released a call for Asian and European participants for an intensive five-day workshop on the role and importance of artists/managers in multi-disciplinary independent creative art spaces. more >
France to try out free museums
The French government says visitors will get free access to several museums in Paris and other towns to test out a possible nationwide program. more >
June 2007
UNESCO, UCLG Strengthen Cooperation
UNESCO and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) have signed an agreement in order to strengthen their cooperation. more >
UNESCO Convention Session Closes
The first session of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, chaired by Professor Kader Asmal (South Africa) closed today at UNESCO Headquarters. more >
French Ministry for Culture and Communication Revises Publications
The department of statistics of the French Ministry for Culture and Communications has revised its publications in order to improve the regularity of its published works. This revision has resulted in the disappearance of a number of publications. more >
May 2007
ALBANEL APPOINTED MINISTER OF CULTURE
Newly elected French president Nicolas Sarkozy has named Christine Albanel as minister of culture. more >
Sarkozy backs France's "unique cultural identity"
French President Nicolas Sarkozy promised on Sunday to maintain state support for France's cinema industry and pledged to keep up the country's traditional notion of its own "unique cultural identity". more >
March 2007
Museums are Theatres
Museums are no longer ivory towers, but local theatres open to the community, claim French economists. more >
In French campaign, artists have little to say
Is culture losing its political clout in France? That may seem a bit of a stretch, since the government still pours €2.9 billion into the arts every year — or 30 times the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts in the United States. more >
February 2007
400 years later, opera looks to the next act
European opera managers and directors gathered in Paris to address the central question: What is opera's place in the 21st century? more >
January 2007
French Cultural Policy: A healthy economy is the cause, not effect, of a healthy cultural sector
Adrian Ellis' view on a series of measures announced by French Minister of Culture designed to boost the vitality of the contemporary visual arts scene in France. more >
Skills for Arts Managers: A Local Point of View
What does a Lithuanian drama club and a German intercultural project or a Polish hospital foundation with a Finish dance company have in common? more >
New Secretary-General for French Culture Ministry
Christine Bihan-Graf has been appointed Secretary-General to France’s Ministry for Culture and Communication, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres. more >
French Ministry Hosts Research Symposium
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, France’s Minister for Culture and Communication, has opened the European and International Symposium for Research at the Pompidou Centre. more >
December 2006
MONUMENTA LAUNCHED
From 2007, the Grand Palais in Paris will become the venue for a new, annual contemporary art event initiated by France's Ministry of Culture and Communications. more >
International Convention on Cultural Diversity to Enter Into Force March 18, 2007
A convention that entrenches in international law the right of countries to apply cultural policies will enter into force on March 18 after 14 European Union member countries filed their ratifications with UNESCO headquarters in Paris earlier today. more >
November 2006
The race for art island: Louvre and Guggenheim battle it out
It is one of the greatest art collections in the world whose miles of galleries range from the treasures of antiquity to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. But Paris's Musée du Louvre could soon become Europe's biggest cultural export by opening a vast new outpost in the Middle East as part of President Jacques Chirac's desire for greater understanding between east and west. more >
October 2006
French Report on 'Cultural Attractiveness',
Entitled "La mobilisation des actifs culturels de la France: de l'attractivité culturelle du territoire… à la nation culturellement créative", this new report by Xavier Greffe has recently been published by France's Ministry of Culture and Communication. more >
September 2006
France, Russia to hold year of culture for each other
A French Culture Year will be celebrated in Russia in 2009 while the Russian Culture Year activities will take place in France in 2010, French President Jacques Chirac announced Friday. more >
A dream come true
The European Dream Festival, simply by paying these performers to show up, distinguishes itself: European nations are willing to fund under-the-radar art. Maybe not for long, though. more >
August 2006
UNESCO to Meet On Cultural Heritage
An extraordinary session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the International Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will be held on 17 October at UNESCO Headquarters. more >
Is President Chirac’s long-awaited museum of non-Western art a success?
The Musée du Quai Branly in Paris is visually stimulating, but not always enlightening. more >
Culture Appointment in France
France’s Minister for Culture and Communication, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, has appointed Jean de Saint-Guilhem as Director of Music, Dance, Theatre and Spectacles. more >
July 2006
10 years, £165m and a row about art. That’s Amélie's real new Paris
President Chirac will fulfil a ten-year-old dream on Tuesday when he opens a spectacular but controversial museum by the Seine that will be the first significant new gallery in Paris since 1977 and the world’s biggest showcase of non-Western art. more >
June 2006
French to engage artists on heritage
French Minister for Culture and Communication, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, has announced the theme for this year's European Weekend of Heritage, and issued a call for artists to get involved. more >
UNESCO Aims to Protect the Intangible
This week in Paris the countries that ratified the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage are meeting -- without Germany. But what is it that they want to protect? more >
UNESCO Holds Meeting on Intangible Heritage
The first meeting of UNESCO state parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will start today, June 27 2006, and will run for three days. more >
French Government protects local heritage
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, Minister for culture and communication, has decided to initiate the process of protecting the hotel located at 5 Solferino Street in Paris, related to the memory of General de Gaulle. more >
General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Culture
During its first session, and in accordance with Articles 4.2 and 5.1 of the Intangible Heritage Convention, the General Assembly will adopt respectively its Rules of Procedure and will elect an Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. more >
CulturesFrance - new agency for international cultural exchange
A new agency has been launched in France, CulturesFrance, dedicated to international cultural exchanges. It unites two existing organisations AFAA and ADPF. more >
May 2006
French Minister announces music tax credit
Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres announced that the competition authorities in Brussels have agreed to assist with the tax credit which will favour musicians. more >
Sign petition to protect artists rights to mobility!
In order to protect artists rights to mobility, and in reaction to the ongoing multiplication of incidents at the European Union borders, the Schengen Opera Collective and its 70 companions ask you to join them by signing the online petition just launched. more >
UNESCO's Cultural Diversity Week
UNESCO has named this week, 15-21 May 2006, as the Cultural Diversity Week to stress the importance of diversity of culture in today’s world. more >
France launches new project
France, Spain and Hungary have launched a new proposal to create a list of European heritage. more >
Launch of African World Heritage Fund
A fund to help the States of sub-Saharan Africa improve the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage will be launched in South Africa on 5 May. The African World Heritage Fund will also be used to help boost the number of African sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. more >
Minister in France defends iPod law
Describing the act as "courageous" and "forward thinking," the French minister of culture said the government would press ahead with a law that would effectively outlaw Apple's popular iTunes online music system. more >
April 2006
Galleries sell five times more than auction houses
French art dealers have been cheered—and rather surprised—by the results of a study released last month, which showed that art galleries in France turned over five times more than auction houses in 2004. more >
Intangible cultural heritage convention comes into force
The UNESCO convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003 will come into force next week. The Convention will encourage and emphasise the role of communities and groups as bearers of intangible cultural heritage. more >
March 2006
French minister pleased with new grants
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, Minister of Culture and Communication for France is pleased with the decision of the European Commission to authorise a package of French national grants in favour of cinema and the audio-visual sector, until 2011. more >
French MPs say song downloads must work on any player
The dominance of the Apple iPod hit its first European stumbling block yesterday when French MPs voted to force companies to allow music downloads to be played on all types of digital players, not just their own. more >
Sixty Years of Standard-Setting in Education, Science and Culture
The Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Koichiro Matsuura, today opened a symposium on “UNESCO: Sixty Years of Standard-Setting in Education, Science and Culture”. He noted that “perhaps surprisingly, this symposium is the first of its kind in which UNESCO’s standard-setting practices and experience are the subject of a general overview". more >
February 2006
French and German ministers meet
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, France's Minister of Culture and Communication, and Bernd Neumann, Germany's minister delegated to cultural affairs and media, have officially closed the symposium between French and German cinema professionals on the topic of the prospects for Franco-German cinematographic co-operation. more >
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage to Enter into Force on 20 April
Thirty States have now ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage, adopted in October 2003 by the UNESCO General Conference, allowing it to enter into force on 20 April 2006, that is three months after the 30th instrument of ratification has been deposited. more >
January 2006
Board created for music by French ministry
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, installs the Board of governors for modern music (BGMM) on Monday January 16 at 5pm. more >
UNESCO cultural heritage safeguard ratified by 30 states
Thirty States have now ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage, adopted in October 2003 by the UNESCO General Conference. more >
French Ministry opens Cultural Economy Week
The French ministry for culture and communication organised the first edition of "Cultural Economy Week," at the George Pompidou National Centre for Art and Culture, during the 12th and 13th of January, 2006. more >
December 2005
French Ministry releases culture budget
The French Ministry for Culture and Communications has released its budget for 2006. With a total of nearly €3 billion budgeted for 2006, the Ministry's budget will be 4.9 percent higher than in 2005. more >
Developing countries losing out in cultural trade
Three countries - the United Kingdom, United States and China - produced 40 percent of the world’s cultural trade products in 2002, while Latin America and Africa together accounted for less than four percent according to a new report by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. more >
November 2005
UNESCO celebrates its 60th anniversary
UNESCO, the United Nations scientific and cultural organisation, will mark its 60th anniversary with a symposium chaired by one of the great thinkers of the 20th century, the French anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss. more >
October 2005
Countries turn backs on Hollywood
Unesco member states have formally voted to support their own film and music industries against globalisation. more >
UNESCO votes to protect cultural diversity
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)'s culture commission passed Monday a resolution aiming at protecting and promoting cultural diversity. The 40-page resolution reaffirms the "sovereign right of countries" to pursue policies aimed at "protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions on their territory" and in international trade. more >
September 2005
View on the Seine is Aboriginal
It seems to be an era of reverse imperialism on the banks of the River Seine. At the bustling construction site of the Musee du Quai Branly, Jacques Chirac's expansive dream of a museum in the heart of Paris dedicated to non-Western art from Oceania, Africa, Asia and the Americas, Australian Aborigines are conquering the Europeans. more >
Peace tapestry arrives 75 years late
A tapestry intended to symbolise the benefits of peace for the peoples of the world was today unveiled at the United Nations' European headquarters - 75 years after it was commissioned. more >
July 2005
All for one to support megalithic sites
The French Minister for Culture and Communication, M. Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, has signed an official agreement for a constitutive convention for the Pooling of Public Cultural Interest, entitled 'Memory of Stones: Megaliths in Morbihan'. more >
Steps Taken Toward Creation of European Digital Library
The French Minister for Culture and Communication, M. Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, has established a "pilot committee aimed at the creation of a European digital library.” more >
June 2005
Restoration begins at the Franco-American National Museum
The French Ministry of Culture and Communication has announced the start of the second phase of an important restoration campaign involving the extension of the Franco-American National Museum at the castle of Blérancourt. more >
Ministry provides fine setting for international exhibit
Minister for Culture and Communication, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres has welcomed the initiative taken by Brazilians in favour of the Gol de Letra Association in France, within the context of the current Year of Brazil initiative. more >
May 2005
France prompts EU Council to act against incitement to hate
Under pressure from France, the Council of Ministers for Culture and Communication has mobilized to combat the broadcasting of television programs inciting racial hatred originating in countries outside European Union. more >
Euro Ministers attend meeting for a cultural Europe
Fifteen European Ministers of Culture and more than 500 artists and cultural movers and shakers came together for the “Meeting for a Cultural Europe" on 2nd and 3rd May at the Comédie-Française in Paris. more >
April 2005
Art museum falls foul of red tape
One of France's richest men is on the brink of ditching plans to build a spectacular contemporary art museum outside Paris because he is fed up with the red tape and inertia of the local authorities. more >
New agreement to boost animation seen on French TV
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, Minister of culture and communication, has announced the signing of a partnership agreement between France Televisions and The Syndicate of French Animation Professionals. more >
French Minister announces shake-up of cinema funding regulations
The Minister for Culture and Communication, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, has announced there will be funding for non-European film companies but the conditions under which funding will be made available are yet to be established. more >
March 2005
French counter-attack on Net culture
French President Jacques Chirac has vowed to launch a new "counter-offensive" against American cultural domination, enlisting the support of the British, German and Spanish governments in a multi-million euro bid to put the whole of European literature on-line. more >
February 2005
'Rough Row' breaks out on diversity
A ”rough row” has broken out between the United States and a host of other countries on protection of cultural diversity. more >
French Minister for Culture launches “Age of Street Art” initiative
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, French Minister for Culture and the Arts, today launched a new initiative focusing on street art within Marseilles. more >
January 2005
Digital piracy hurting French artists, says government
The French Minister of Culture and Communication has attended a meeting about the impact of digital piracy on the French Arts industry, signalling his commitment to address the issue. more >
French and Italian Culture and Communication Ministers discuss racism
The French Minister of Culture and Communication recently met with Maurizio Gasparri, his Italian counterpart, to discuss issues of racism within broadcast media. more >
French museums take steps away from home
For the French, culture is culture and commerce is commerce and the twain should ne'er meet. That at least is the theory. more >
December 2004
UNESCO funds human rights films
UNESCO has selected eight proposals for film productions for its new project promoting human rights and tolerance. more >
New co production agreement signed between France and Switzerland
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, the French minister for culture and communication, and Pascal Couchepin, the Swiss minister for culture, science, research, education and social affairs have signed a new Franco-Swiss agreement concerning film production. more >
November 2004
Budget Amended To Save French Historical Buildings
The French Minister of culture, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres has taken action to prevent historical building renovation sites from closing. more >
UNESCO reports on status of artists in 52 countries
The UNESCO World Observatory on the Social Status of the Artist has published data on employment regimes, statutes, legislation and social benefit systems for artists in 52 different countries around the world. more >
October 2004
Beauchamp announces new Deputy Minister for Culture
Canadian Minister for Culture and Communication, Mrs. Line Beauchamp, has announced the appointment of a new Deputy Minister for the Department. more >
New appointment for French visual arts
The French Ministry for Culture and Communication has appointed Olivier Kaeppelin as its new representative for the visual arts sector. more >
INCD reports on first cultural convention meeting
The International Network for Cultural Diversity has delivered a progress report on the first round of intergovernmental meetings regarding the proposed UNESCO Convention for the promotion of the diversity of cultural contents and artistic expressions. more >
French Culture Minister visits Frankfurt Book Fair
French Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres will attend the 56th International Book Fair in Frankfurt in a show of support for the French publishing industry. more >
August 2004
Artists' squat to become cultural venue
An illegal Parisian artists' squat is to be transformed into an official and permanent cultural centre, designed as a counterpoint to more traditional galleries like the Louvre, at a cost of up to €7m. more >
July 2004
France appoints new President for cultural finance institute
French Minister of Culture and Communication, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, has appointed Hugues R. Gall President of the Institute for Financing Cinema and Cultural Industries. more >
For French immigrants, a museum isn't enough
After 15 years of soul-searching, France has decided to create a Museum of Immigration. Why now? more >
France responds to EC call to lift advertising ban
France has responded to a call from the European Commission to overturn its ban on television advertising by the publishing and cinema sectors with insistence its efforts are in the name of cultural diversity. more >
French Minister debates culture in Avignon
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, French Minister for Culture and Communication joined other European representatives in Avignon for a public discussion on culture in Europe. more >
June 2004
French Minister of Culture talks documentaries at International Market
French Minister of Culture and Communication, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres has attended an international documentary market in Marseilles to promote the French documentary industry. more >
May 2004
'Fahrenheit 9/11' Wins Top Prize at Cannes
American filmmaker Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' a scathing indictment of White House actions after the Sept. 11 attacks, won the top prize Saturday at the Cannes Film Festival. more >
Audiovisual experts tuned to cultural diversity at Barcelona Forum
Representatives of the 98 audiovisual authorities in the world, together with operators, producers and experts, will meet at Barcelona Forum 2004 to discuss the role that regulators can play in fostering cultural diversity. more >
Arts Workers' Strike Threatens To Disrupt Cannes Festival
With celebrities jetting into Cannes for the start of the world-famous film festival this week, the French government is embroiled in last-minute negotiations to try to head off threats by striking arts workers to disrupt the event. more >
January 2004
French arts workers occupy cultural embassy in Rome
About 40 French performers and arts technicians have invaded the Villa Medicis - home of the French cultural organisation, the Academie de France - to protest against changes to their unemployment system which take effect this year. more >
December 2003
Publishers on guard as France lifts curb on TV book adverts
French publishers have been forced to accept TV commercials for books, despite warnings the move could wreck smaller publishing houses. more >
A Louvre revolution
The post of President-Director of the Louvre is among the art world's most prestigious, but prestige has not been commensurate with power. Henri Loyrette knew that when he took over in April 2001. more >
November 2003
French artists steal TV spotlight to draw public's attention to cuts in benefits
With cameras rolling, France's struggling artists have begun invading live broadcasts to publicise their grievances to television audiences. more >
October 2003
International Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage adopted
Oral traditions and expressions will now benefit from an international legal instrument to safeguard intangible heritage, following a meeting of the Member States attending the UNESCO General Conference at Headquarters in Paris recently. more >
Treaty targets Hollywood's homogenisation of culture
Talks are starting on a United Nations treaty designed to help countries protect their native cultures in the face of what many characterise as the homogenising effect of Hollywood. more >
Morocco among countries to benefit from French 'co-development' policy
Morocco is among four African countries to benefit from the 'co-development' policy initiated by the French government to help foreign communities settled in France invest in their native countries. more >
September 2003
Quebec and France sign cultural heritage agreement
Quebec’s Minister for Culture and Communication, Line Beauchamp, and France’s Minister for Culture and Communication, Jean-Jacques Aillagon, have signed an agreement concerning cultural heritage. more >
Cash deal for Franco-US arts museum
Setting aside recent tensions, a Franco-US agreement to extend and renovate a museum dedicated to more than 200 years of mutual friendship has been signed between the French culture ministry and the American Friends of Blerancourt. more >
Quebec Culture Minister to visit France for UNESCO general conference
Quebec Minister for Culture and Communications, Ms Line Beauchamp, will attend the next general UNESCO conference in France to participate in meetings regarding cultural diversity. more >
August 2003
French Cultural Counsellor shares thoughts on culture and trade
Culture and cinema must never bow under the pressures of trade, the French Embassy's Cultural Counsellor, Jean Poncet, told a gathering in Melbourne, Australia this month. more >
France to help computer game industry
The French Minister for Culture and Communications, Jean-Jacques Aillagon, and Minister Delegate for Industry, Nicole Fontaine, have launched a program through the National Centre for Cinematography to help growing computer game companies in France. more >
July 2003
UNESCO General Conference to consider cultural instruments
The 32nd session of UNESCO's General Conference, to be held in Paris from September 29 to October 18, will consider two international cultural 'instruments'. more >
Performers threaten to halt 650 French festivals in support of unemployed
All France's 650 summer cultural festivals face cancellation because of a protest by performers, musicians, dancers, stage managers and technicians that is likely to halt next week's Avignon festival. more >
June 2003
Paris hosts symposium about Syria
A symposium entitled 'Syria in the year 2003 - a cultural passport', was held in Paris last month. more >
French Culture Minister announces new museum council
French Culture Minister Jean Jacques Aillagon has announced the establishment of a High Council for French Museums, to address issues relating to the country's museum sector. more >
May 2003
French Culture Minister encourages film production
According to a report in 'Le Monde', French Culture Minister Jean Jacques Aillagon believ