Archive for February 1st, 2009
Welcoming cultures from across the world
City Hall is aware that Paris‘ dynamism and international influence are also stimulated by the contribution of foreign cultures. Therefore it has made welcoming foreign creators and cultural leaders one of the priorities of its cultural policy.
Many events are organised in Paris in honour of foreign cultures and are used as a way of becoming part of new artistic trends emerging across the world. For example, special events are regularly scheduled on the films of major world cities by the Forum des Images, which organises “Portraits de Villes” (Berlin, Brussels, Teheran and New York in 2007), or through Paris Cinéma (which is focusing on Lebanese cinema in 2007).
Foreign seasons
Paris City Hall actively supports (particularly through its agreement with Culturesfrance) projects developed by municipal cultural institutions and Parisian associations as part of the foreign cultural seasons which are organised each year in France (the Year of Algeria in 2003, the Polish season in 2004, joint Years of France and China in 2004-2005, the Year of Brazil in 2005, the Year of the French-speaking world in 2006, the Year of Armenia in 2007).
As part of the year of Brazil in 2005, events took place at the Carnavalet museum, the Musée de la Vie Romantique, the Festival d’automne and Paris Quartier d’Eté. Brazil was also celebrated on 13 July, during the dance held at the Place de la Bastille, and during the 14 July festivities for the fireworks display.
The French-speaking world had the place of honour in 2006. French-speaking writers were welcomed in the city’s libraries, a tribute was paid to Leopold Sedar Senghor at the Grand Parquet and at the Municipal history library and lastly, an exhibition of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie’ collections of photographs and French publications was held at the Espace Electra.
In 2007, several municipal museums are taking part in the Year of Armenia: the Petit Palais, the municipal museum of Fine Arts, the crypt of Notre Dame –the Carnavalet museum and the Memorial of Marshal Leclerc –Jean Moulin Museum. Paris Hotels A large concert was also given on Friday 20 April at the Théâtre du Châtelet by the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, which will offer a unique blend of French and Armenian music.
