Through a coherent, flexible and collaborative strategy,the Institut français implements France's foreign cultural policy in close collaboration with the French cultural network abroad.

This network is made up of various structures: embassy cooperation and cultural action services (SCAC), Instituts français, Alliances françaises and bi-national cultural centers. Together, they promote the French language, disseminate contemporary creation and fosterintercultural dialogue.

A structured, collaborative relationship

The Institut français acts as operator, partner and strategic companion to the network. It offers a wide variety of programs, expertise, digital tools and resources.It mobilizes sector expertise, coordinates training, promotes local synergies and facilitates access to funding.

This relationship is based on regular exchanges, in a spirit of consultation and co-construction. It aims to be efficient, pragmatic and innovation-oriented.

Fluid exchanges and communication

To maintain a constant link with the network, the Institut français relies on several digital tools and animation devices. The Espace réseau is the main point of exchange. It provides access to the offers, calls for projects, resources and methodological tools that the Institut français proposes and makes available to the network.

Other channels complete this system: thea Réseau newsletter, webinars, thematic newsletters, collaborative spaces, as well as regular exchanges between agents.

Physical and online meetings also punctuate the year : training courses, regional seminars, sector meetings, expert missions, and above all the Ateliers de l'Institut français (AIF). These events strengthen the ties between the Institut and the network. They enable us to share practices, innovations and avenues for development with a view to continuous improvement.

Les Ateliers de l'Institut français: un moment stratégique

Organized every year in Paris, the Ateliers de l'Institut français are an essential meeting place for cultural network professionals. They bring together several hundred participants from embassies, central administration, cultural operators and international partners.

The AIF are a unique space for reflection, exchange and consultation. Conferences, collaborative workshops, presentations and networking events enable us to share major orientations, promote initiatives in the field and identify common priorities.

They play a structuring role for the network and provide a sounding board for changes in the cultural sector on a global scale.

Communities of interest: catalysts for cooperation

To decompartmentalize approaches and enhance collective intelligence, the Institut français has created communities of interest accessible from the Espace réseau.

These thematic spaces are led by Institut français sector experts. They cover topics such as digital innovation, educational cooperation, communication, language centers, media libraries or digitized rooms etc.

These communities bring together professionals from the network, institutional partners and experts in the field. They facilitate the sharing of experience, the creation of joint projects and the development of shared expertise. They make French cultural action more legible, responsive and relevant on a global scale.

Join the Institut français communities of interest

Tailored training

The Institut français offers a wide range of training courses. They cover topics such as digital mediation, project management, communication, ecological transition and equality. These training courses, both face-to-face and online, aim to update agents' skills and help them innovate in their practices.

Support for creation and distribution

The Institute supports the circulation of works, ideas and talent. It offers co-financed calls for projects, such as "IF Incontournable" and "IF Export". It supports cultural seasons abroad and promotes the internationalization of artists.

Several platforms are also made available to the network.

Calls for projects are a key tool for supporting the cultural network. They are published throughout the year on the Espace réseau and cover many fields: contemporary creation, cultural industries, French language, media libraries, debate of ideas, digital, Franco-German cooperation etc.

These calls enable co-construction of projects between the Institut français, the network and sometimes partners. Each scheme is based on transparent criteria, methodological support and a principle of co-financing.

They offer the network concrete opportunities to structure its actions, innovate and strengthen its partnerships.

By combining expertise, cooperation and innovation, the Institut français and the French cultural network abroad are deploying ambitious cultural action that is resolutely forward-looking. Together, they carry the voice of France, Europe and the French-speaking world around the world, promoting dialogue between cultures, the circulation of ideas and the influence of contemporary creativity.