A Hub for Fashion, Heritage and Creativity

Cultural Heritage

For centuries, artists have held Paris in high regard; it has been a place of freedom and inspiration for them. As one of the most-visited cities in the world, Paris continues to attract millions of international visitors who come to explore its art galleries, museums, architectural treasures, savour its cuisine, immerse themselves in its fashion, experience its vibrant nightlife, enjoy its cinemas, and much more. The cultural offerings are vast, encompassing all fields of artistic creation, both in the private and public sectors.

Embracing Change

The City-Region is experiencing rapid growth, driven by its economic and creative dynamism. The city centre is undergoing extensive renovation in preparation for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, the Île-de-France Region has initiated a revision of its master plan, which will provide the primary development guidelines through 2040. This new plan, set to be adopted in 2023, will address the social and economic challenges facing the entire Paris region, while also addressing critical environmental transition issues, such as improving air quality and achieving zero net carbon emissions. Culture will be integrated into various aspects of the plan. A top priority for both the City and the Region is to support artistic creation in all its forms and locations, welcoming artists from around the world.

The Role of Policymaker

Ensuring equitable access to culture in all neighbourhoods and making culture accessible to young people are central to Paris’ cultural priorities. The City and the Region collaborate with educational and cultural institutions to provide every child with direct access to art, artistic practices, and artists.

The principles of environmental responsibility, local procurement, and sustainable development are embodied in the concept of the “fifteen-minute city,” which has gained renewed attention and international recognition following the pandemic. Many initially temporary interventions and responses are now becoming permanent, with culture playing a significant role in this transformation. Throughout the city, a network of versatile cultural venues is emerging. These venues, often located in existing buildings and industrial sites, are dedicated to artistic practices, rehearsals, and performances. They bring together amateurs and professionals, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces that can vary widely based on their location and partnerships.

The Future

The City and Regional governments are focused on preparing for the Olympic Games and ensuring that the Cultural Olympiad is a central component of these preparations. It is anticipated that the Cultural Olympiad program will substantially contribute to the impact, scope, and merits of the entire event. Serving as a showcase for French and Parisian culture, this program is expected to offer year-round, multidisciplinary artistic activities that align with contemporary societal changes, sustainable development, inclusion, gender equality, and diversity.

© Images Courtesy of Getty Images/Canva; City of Paris