THE YEAR OF FRANCE IN CHINA
After having opened itself
up to the most diverse expressions of Chinese culture, France now presents itself
to China, coming to meet it in a spirit of sharing and dialogue. The Year of
France in China is the second part of the France-China Exchange Years organised
on the initiative of the Presidents of the two countries, in the context of
developing a global partnership between France and China.
Artists, scholars, and
engineers are participating in the same creative spirit that lies at the heart
of the Year of France in China. The patrimony's masterpieces are being shown
to advantage, as well as the vitality of the contemporary art scene and great
French scientific and technical achievements.
Large events are being offered to the Chinese public: a concert by Jean-Michel
Jarre in the Forbidden City, and the "incredible picnic" on the Great
Wall, for example. Exhibitions are presenting "Impressionist Treasures"
from French national collections and the contemporary collections from the Centre
Pompidou, as well as industrial creation and the challenges of urban development.
Varied spectacles, film festivals and numerous conferences complete the programme.
The establishment of a new Institut Pasteur in Shanghai and the setting up of a Franco-Chinese technology institute make up the other major events. A French cultural centre is opening in Beijing. The Exchange Years will thereby find themselves extended into a concrete and lasting cooperation between the two countries.
From October 2004 to July 2005, more than one hundred events are being presented in Beijing, Shanghai, Canton, Hong Kong, and many other cities. This strong and varied presence makes it possible to increase exchanges and to intensify the dialogue between France and China.
The Year of France in China is benefiting from the joint involvement of French and Chinese national and local authorities, as well as cultural, educational and scientific institutions in the two countries. It is also receiving vital support from the Year of France in China's Committee of Honour, which has united around 40 French and Chinese companies who have chosen to join forces with this unprecedented event.