Christophe Girard on Paris Culture Policy: Interview

In an interview with Damien Sausset, Christophe Girard, who has served as Paris's Deputy Mayor for Culture since 2001, reflects on his achievements and initiatives. He emphasizes the introduction of free admission to municipal museums, the boost in library funding, and the ongoing renovations at both the Petit Palais and the contemporary art center located at 104 rue d'Aubervilliers. Nuit Blanche is set to take place on October 5-6, 2002. Girard advocates for inclusive programming, mentioning artists such as Claude Lévêque and Sophie Calle. The culture budget approaches €230 million, with €130 million allocated for operations, particularly benefiting the underserved northern and eastern arrondissements. The Musée d'Art Moderne is slated for two years of renovations, and acquisition budgets have increased from €686,000 in 2000 to €1.83 million in 2002. Girard also manages a role with a luxury group and curates a personal art collection.