In June 2023, the President of the Republic announced the organization of a “Mediterranean Season” in 2026, aimed at bringing forth common projects from all shores of the Mediterranean. Unlike typical cultural seasons that invite foreign stages, this one stands out for its focus on enhancing France’s relations on a Mediterranean scale, highlighting five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon. Through over two hundred events designed with French partners, it celebrates artists, creators, and young talents from these regions while emphasizing cultural and human exchanges. The Season revolves around five themes addressing contemporary issues collectively: speculative utopias, plural identities, contemporary spiritualities, collective history of migrations, and narrative construction.
Julie Kretzschmaren, in charge of the general curatorial work by the French Institute, discusses the various projects emerging from this event and the context in which it was developed.
“The Mediterranean Season was announced in 2023, and I started working in October 2024, amidst the Middle East war and strained relations with Algeria. As a season that relates to us and our relation with these countries – Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon – it reflects the challenging circumstances we are facing in our relationships with these countries. Many artists, thinkers, and authors are French-Algerian, or have dual French-Algerian nationality, which is a central aspect this season aims to explore and narrate. It is truly dedicated to storytelling and situated narratives, focusing on dual identities and deconstructing various representations, especially related to colonial history.”
The “Mediterranean Season” will kick off on May 15 in Marseille and primarily take place in France until October 31, 2026. It will extend its influence over the Mediterranean shores through several events connected to artistic scenes, cultural structures in the region, and the French diplomatic network overseas, in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon.
Briefs of the Day:
- Choreographer and dancer Elsa Wolliaston passes away at the age of 80: Elsa Wolliaston, a significant figure in contemporary dance and a prominent pedagogue since the late 1960s in France, was a key personality in live performances. She balanced workshops accompanied by musicians, collaborations with artists like Luc Bondy or Peter Stein, and dramatic research.
- The Oscars ceremony took place in Hollywood last night: Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, “Licorice Pizza,” secured six wins, including Best Picture and Director. In a face-off with Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” “Licorice Pizza” dominated with four Oscars, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. Irish actress Jessie Buckley snagged Best Actress for Chloe Zhao’s “The Banshees of Inisherin.” Joachim Trier’s Norwegian film, “The Worst Person in the World,” won Best International Feature. Pavel Talankin’s documentary, “Mister Nobody vs. Putin,” won Best Documentary and is currently airing on Arte.
