The Welsh Government have designated 2023 as the Year of Wales in France, to celebrate and strengthen the connections across all sectors between our nations. In addition, the Rugby World Cup takes place across France in Autumn 2023 and the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris in 2024 offer key moments to work as team Cymru to raise the profile of Wales in France and beyond. The activities will bridge with the UK France Spotlight on Culture “Together We Imagine” which will also feature Welsh artists.
The Wales in France Culture Programme 2023 is a celebration of the arts, languages, sports and song. A showcase of Wales’ growing commitment to the wellbeing of future generations and global responsibility, it will nurture relationships that focus on Cymru’s core values around climate justice, equality and diversity, bilingualism, and multilingualism in the arts.
Wales and France share fascinating historical and cultural connection that dates back centuries. In the medieval period, Welsh soldiers and knights participated in various military campaigns in France. This era saw the rise of legendary figures like Owain Glyndwr, who formed diplomatic alliances with the French. Both Wales and Brittany in France share a love for their Celtic history, traditions and culture. Wales and France continue a strong alliance, working together on cultural, educational, artistic and sports projects. It is all about celebrating the friendship between the two nations.
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said:
“Wales and France’s relationship is centuries old, and these cultural connections are a major part in remaking that relationship in contemporary world and helping us work together on the challenges that our two populations share."
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Wales said:
“The Year of Wales in France and the Rugby World Cup as well as the Paris Olympics and Para-Olympics next year offer an opportunity to raise the profile of Wales internationally and for artists from Wales to work with partners in France to deliver an exciting cultural programme starting this summer.”
Learn more about Wales with our 'Gwlad, Gwlad' film.
Led by Wales Arts International in partnership with Welsh Government and British Council, the programme will focus on 6 main locations:
Find out more about the artists from Wales:
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