CULTURESFRANCE’s policy in the field of books and writing is to promote French books and French language authors throughout the world. The agency makes a point of being informed on current French editorial production by publishing reference books. Another of its missions is to help the circulation of authors abroad. In the context of its action in favour of African and Caribbean cultures, literature from the South is the focus of special attention.

A platform for books

In the field of books and writing, CULTURESFRANCE performs the role of co-ordinator working closely with the different departments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Communication as well as professional French book associations. The agency passes on to the French cultural network abroad the names of works and exhibitions designed as reference tools so it can nourish the debate on ideas and the dissemination of knowledge. It addresses publishing professionals and the French and foreign general public. Every year, CULTURESFRANCE organises wide-ranging literary events on an international scale, involving actors, writers and publishers. CULTURESFRANCE also works to improve and enhance the book chain in the industries of the South by contributing its expertise for local publishers. Finally, the agency is the organiser of the Stendhal missions, which every year enable around fifty French authors to enjoy a short residence abroad for their writing projects.

The collections

CULTURESFRANCE publishes thirty titles a year, in different collections. The "Auteurs" collection includes leading figures in French contemporary thought (Jacques Derrida, Jean Echenoz, Yves Bonnefoy, René Char…). The "Panoramas" propose reference guides on major themes and cultural disciplines (Cultural guide to Africa, Contemporary theatre in France...). "Profils" is a collection comprising a series of posters intended for the French cultural network abroad and relating to the cultural and artistic image of contemporary France.

Publishing and Archaeology

Created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1980, Éditions recherche sur les civilisations publish the results of work by French archaeologists operating abroad, whose research is funded by the International Co-operation and Development Directorate General. These works constitute an incomparable heritage.

The Reviews

CULTURESFRANCE publishes several reviews. Cultures Sud/Notre Librairie (4 issues a year) focuses exclusively on current literature from the South (Africa, Caribbean, Indian Ocean). Articles and interviews nourish its benchmark critical content, enriched with reading notes and unpublished material from authors. The Vient de paraître (Just Published) review (4 issues a year) proposes a quarterly selection of books, CDs and DVDs, covering the whole field of editorial production in France – in fields as diverse as architecture, cartoon strips, literature, sport, cinema and music… Published in French and English, this "new items bulletin" is an essential tool for French cultural establishments, publishers, translators and booksellers abroad. La Revue des revues, which can be consulted on line, every two months includes articles from leading French reviews, translated into five languagues (English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian), to convey the diversity of French contemporary thought in the fields of human, social and exact sciences, philosophy and geopolitics. Fiction France (2 issues a year), proposes a selection of extracts by young French novelists translated into English. It is aimed at book professionals abroad to facilitate publication assistance plans. The Penser l’Europe (Think Europe) review contributes to the debate on European ideas for the political and cultural construction of Europe. Each theme title tackles fundamental questions (European identity, Frontiers, Europe and power…), calling on leading European specialists (academics, writers or diplomats). This collection is published in French and English.

The network back-up service

The CULTURESFRANCE network back-up service offers French departments and cultural establishments abroad a pooled service for the acquisition of works and media library materials. It also provides advice in running libraries, to help media libraries to renew and improve their documentary collections.

At the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the network back-up service regularly sends selections of new items and reference works to equip the network’s media libraries.

Most of the titles published by CULTURESFRANCE are available on line on the agency’s site and are sold in France by La Documentation française.

Contact: Sylvie Chineau