This edition of the Region in Focus presents a portrait of the independent cultural sector in France, through the lens of two cities, Lille and Nantes, presented as microcosms of the broader Europe. Banlieues d'Europe collected different points of view through interviews, images and reflections by various cultural players.

Accompanying these perspectives is a mapping of the key French organisations that facilitate cultural cooperation. The mapping was undertaken by l’Observatoire des Politiques Culturelles in consultation with many partners in the regions of France.

Read more about this Region in focus

Viewpoints

Lille

ATTACAFA
CALL 911
Espace Culture – Lille 1
Maisons Folie
TEC-CRIAC
Zem Theatre

Nantes - Culture 'à la nantaise'

Nantes is one of the most attractive French cities, partly because it is so vibrant in a cultural sense. However, it has not always been this way. In the late 80s, the city was severely affected by de-industrialisation: the shipyards closed down, the economy was stagnant, and the city was essentially dormant. The Mayor of Nantes, Jean-Marc AYRAULT, inherited a dull city at the beginning of his first term of office in 1989. He decided to bet on culture.

Regional directory

Find key artistics cultural organisations, networks, associations and programmes

France

See also

France update (RSS) Stay up-to-date on the developments in this region by subscribing to this RSS feed.		Funding sources for France Find funding for your project, initiative or organisation.
People in France Find LabforCulture members in this region.		Projects for France Read inspiring & informative stories of cross-border cooperation.
Culture news for France Find online magazines and newsletters, events calenders, and mailing lists.		Resources for France Browse specialised publications, databases and online libraries.