Cross cultural seasons
The intercultural dialogue that is illustrated by the promotion of both French culture abroad and the diversity of foreign cultural expressions in France is a major focus of European and international action of the Ministry of Culture. In order to meet this ambition, it has been supporting the organization of cultural seasons with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more than 20 years.
The organization of cross cultural seasons
The French Institute, common public operator of the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs, is responsible, under their authority, for the organization of the seasons for the French part.
It houses the general commissioner of the season, appointed by the Ministers of Culture and Foreign Affairs, who can count on the support, within the establishment, of a pole dedicated to the seasons bringing together ten specialists of several disciplines (performing arts, music, cultural and creative industries, visual arts, film, education, book, debate, fashion, design, research, academic cooperation, sport, economics, gastronomy).
On the occasion of the cultural seasons, lasting from 3 to 6 months, France and the foreign country invited are called to make discover the different facets of their culture through a set of events organized in their respective territory.
No cross-season in 2023
Cultural seasons for 20 years: retrospective
A look back at the countries highlighted over the past 20 years by the organization of seasons with different denominations:
2022: cross-cultural season France-Portugal held simultaneously in the two countries of February to October 2022. It was an opportunity to to celebrate the friendship between the two countries and the many ties and exchanges that unite them.
December 2020 to summer 2021: Africa 2020, only in France and devoted to 54 States of the African continent. This extraordinary cultural season was considered in terms of the major challenges of the 21st century. It was an opportunity to present to the public and French professionals the views of Actors of Civil Society Change on the African Continent.
2019: Season France-Romania which coincided with the beginning of Romania’s mandate as head of the Council of the European Union and the celebration of the centenary of the creation of modern Romania.
2018: France-Israel from June to November, held in both countries.
2017: France-Colombia with the French season in Colombia from 16 December 2016 to 14 July 2017 and the Colombian season in France from 23 June to 17 December 2017.
2015-2016: France-South Korea, the year of South Korea in France to celebrate the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
2015: French festival «Rendez-vous» en Croatia from April to October.
2015: « Singapore in France – the Festival”, from March to June, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the island’s independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the City and France.
2014: «France-China 50, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Franco-Chinese diplomatic relations.
2013-2014: «France-Vietnam » on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of French-Vietnamese diplomatic relations.
2012-2013: A French season in South Africa, organized from July to November 2012 and a South African season in France from May to November 2013.
2012: Cultural Festival « Croatia la Voici» which showcased Croatia in France from September to December.
2011: Festival « Estonia Tonique» organized in November in Paris and Ile-de-France.
2010: Year France-Russia.
2009-2010: Season of the Turkey in France.
2009: Year of France in Brazil.
2008: 100% Finland », festival held in France from April to June.
2007: «Why not?», a French spring in Iceland from February to May.
2007: A French spring in Latvia » between March and June.
2006-2007: ' Armenia my friend», year of Armenia in France from September to July.
2006: «Completely Thai», festival thai in France.
2006: « Korea At the Heart”, for the 120 years of diplomatic relations between France and Korea.
2005: Festival «Amazing Latvia » from October to December.
2005: « Brazil, Brésils», year of Brazil in France from March to December.
2004: « Iceland of ice and fire».
2004: «Nova Polska», one season polish in France from May to December.
2003-2004: Year of France in China.
2003: «Djazaïr», a year of theAlgeria in France.
2002: «Bohemia Magica», a season czech in France.
2001: Magyart, one season hungarian in France from June to December.