Olivier Poivre d'Arvor on Reforming the French Association for Artistic Action

In an interview with Damien Sausset, Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, director of the Association française d'action artistique (Afaa) for four years, discusses the institution's transformation. In the early 1990s, the Afaa was seen as outdated and ill-suited to international realities. Poivre d'Arvor outlines recent reforms and future projects that have modernized its operations. The interview, published in artpress in September 2002, highlights the shift from a bureaucratic model to a more agile, globally engaged organization. Key changes include streamlined processes for supporting French artists abroad and fostering cultural exchanges. The Afaa now prioritizes partnerships with foreign institutions and adapts to contemporary artistic practices. Poivre d'Arvor emphasizes the need for flexibility in responding to the evolving global art scene. The interview provides insight into the strategic direction of French cultural diplomacy through the arts.