French American Cultural Days

Last month, the team of Culture Without Borders hosted the French American Cultural Days, a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and cross-cultural exchange.

Held in the heart of San Francisco, this multi-day event brought together artists, performers, and cultural advocates for a series of exhibitions, workshops, and interactive experiences. The event aimed to showcase the richness of French and American artistic traditions while fostering dialogue and collaboration across borders.

For several days, attendees had the chance to immerse themselves in a rich cultural program that spanned various forms of artistic expression. From live painting sessions by emerging visual artists to culinary showcases blending French and American influences, the event provided a platform for artists to share their work and for audiences to engage with diverse artistic perspectives.

According to Thomas Celerier, “Our goal was to create a space where art and heritage could intersect, allowing for meaningful connections and shared experiences. The French American Cultural Days were a testament to the power of cultural exchange in bringing people together.”

One of the highlights of the event was a series of panel discussions with artists and cultural experts, exploring themes such as the role of art in preserving cultural heritage, the impact of cross-cultural collaboration, and the ways in which art can serve as a bridge between communities. These conversations offered valuable insights and sparked engaging discussions among participants.

Véronique Vassout, Executive Artistic, Event, and Logistic Director, emphasized the importance of involving diverse voices in such events: “Our aim was to provide a platform where both emerging and established artists could come together, share their stories, and inspire audiences. It was a unique opportunity to amplify voices that are often overlooked and to celebrate the creative diversity that defines our community.”

The French American Cultural Days also featured a curated exhibition showcasing works by artists from both sides of the Atlantic. The exhibition included paintings, sculptures, and digital art pieces that reflected the theme of cultural dialogue. Attendees could wander through the exhibit, discovering the ways in which French and American artists interpret similar themes through different cultural lenses.

For many of the artists involved, the event was a powerful opportunity to connect with other creatives and to share their work with new audiences. “It was incredibly inspiring to meet other artists and see how they use their craft to express their cultural heritage,” said one participating artist. “I felt like we were all speaking the same language, even though our styles and backgrounds were so different.”

In addition to visual arts, the event featured a series of live performances, ranging from contemporary dance to spoken word poetry. These performances brought an added layer of dynamism to the event, engaging audiences on an emotional and visceral level.

Looking ahead, Culture Without Borders plans to continue its mission of fostering cultural dialogue and artistic exchange. The French American Cultural Days marked a significant step in establishing a tradition of international events that highlight the transformative power of art.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Location: Lycée Français of San Francisco, 1201 Ortega Street

Tickets:

General Admission: $10 (Free for children under 13)

Exclusive Movie Screening of NIKI: $20 (Limited seating)

A Kaleidoscope of Arts

The French American Cultural Days is a vibrant celebration of arts, blending music, cinema, literature, visual arts, dance, and more. Join us for a day of performances, exhibits, and workshops, featuring talented artists and creators from both sides of the Atlantic.

Program of the Performances:

9:50 AM – Doors open, welcome reception

10:00 AM – Opening remarks by Florence Buatois & Florian Cardinaux

10:15 AM – Dance performance by SF Ballet School

11:05 AM – Live Virtual Tour: Cité Internationale de la Langue Française

12:00 PM – Poetry Readings by the laureates of the Poetry Contest

Lunch Break & Art Booth – Explore paintings, books, sculptures, and more. Local food stands available for lunch, snacks, and drinks.

1:30 PM – Storytelling for Kids: Même pas peur! by Fred Leblanc (8+, in French)

2:30 PM – Architecture & Interior Design with Dominique Maxime Genauzeau

3:40 PM – Group Performance by the San Francisco Girls Chorus

4:30 PM – Total Art Session with sculptor Milene Guermont

5:20 PM – Fashion Show by the Academy of Art University

6:00 PM – Live Painting Session with Sebastien Pridmore: Digital Art and Natural Pigments

6:35 PM – Electro Music Performance by Solenn Thircuir and Armand Ledanois

7:15 PM – Theatre: Excerpts from Mon Crime by François Ozon, performed by La Compagnie la D-Boussole

7:30 PM – Cinema Screening: NIKI – A French biopic directed by Céline Sallette, featuring Charlotte Le Bon as Niki de Saint Phalle. (French with English subtitles)