President of the Arab World Institute seeks to strengthen the role of regional artists
Anne-Claire Legendre, president of the Arab World Institute in Paris, France, said she seeks to give Arab artists and cultural figures greater influence over how the institute presents their work and curates cultural events. According to her, the institution can no longer remain primarily a European platform for showcasing Arab culture, as museums, festivals and cultural organizations in the region are increasingly presenting it independently.
As The National reports, Legendre, a former French ambassador to Kuwait, took over as head of the institute this year. She believes that representatives of the Arab world should determine the content of exhibitions, music festivals and other cultural programs for European audiences themselves.
Programs for designers and fashion designers
This month, the institute is presenting the finalists of the fourth design prize for representatives of the Arab world. Its categories cover young talent, crafts, social and environmental impact, as well as the work of established designers. The second Arab Fashion Award is also underway, with designers from the Arab world and the diaspora selected for the final.
Legendre noted that such initiatives help build connections between countries and generations. According to her, European society is ageing to a considerable extent, so it is important to involve the younger generation from the Middle East in creating exhibitions, music festivals and other programs.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Arabic language and translations
On September 20, Legendre is to take part in the Congress of Arabic Language and Creative Industries at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, UAE. During the opening, she will join the session “Arabic Language and Identity in a Changing World” and will also meet with UAE policymakers and cultural organizations.
She said that the example of French quotas and state support for culture should be considered in discussions on preserving the use and appeal of the Arabic language. French television channels must devote at least 40% of their annual audiovisual programming to works originally created in French, while private radio stations are generally required to ensure that at least 40% of songs are in French.
Legendre also drew attention to the insufficient number of translations of Arabic-language literature in Europe and the United States. The institute plans to raise this issue during Arabic Language Week in December, timed to coincide with World Arabic Language Day on December 18. The program includes literary and cultural events and the announcement of the winner of the 2026 Arab Literature Prize.
