Equipment, Exhibitions: Press Freedom’s New Breath
French Survey Shows Strong Support for Freedom of Expression
A recent survey indicates that the vast majority of french citizens view freedom of expression as a fundamental right, even amidst concerns about disinformation and threats to press freedom.
The January 2025 survey, conducted by the Jean-Jaurès Foundation in partnership with Ifop, found that 76% of French people consider freedom of expression a “fundamental right.” This represents an 18-point increase compared to a similar survey conducted in 2012.
Despite this strong support,concerns remain about the challenges facing the press,including disinformation campaigns. The Ministry of Culture has undertaken several initiatives to bolster press freedom and promote a collective commitment to freedom of expression and creation.
Press Drawing House Planned for 2027
One such initiative is the creation of a press drawing house, slated to open in 2027. The project aims to provide a dedicated space for the gratitude and understanding of press drawings, a unique form of expression that blends art, journalism, illustration, and caricature.
The press drawing house was a long-held aspiration of Georges and Maryse Wolinski, tragically lost in the Charlie Hebdo attack. First announced in 2020, the project is a collaboration between the Ministry of culture, the City of Paris, and the Ile-de-France region.
According to the Minister of Culture, the goal is to “value the central place occupied by press drawing in democratic life and in the defense of freedom of expression.”
The facility will have three primary functions: preserving the heritage of press drawings, supporting contemporary creators through a cartoonist-in-residence program, and educating the public, notably young people. It will also host cultural programs and debates related to the political, philosophical, and aesthetic aspects of press drawing.
BNF Exhibition Highlights Gébé, a master of Press Drawing
From May 6 to Oct. 19, the National Library of France (BNF) is hosting a free exhibition dedicated to Gébé (1929-2004), a prominent figure in press drawing. Gébé, known for his satirical style and innovative approach, contributed significantly to publications such as *Sarah-Sarah* and *Charlie Hebdo*.
The exhibition showcases Gébé’s career, from his early training to his later works, including his contributions to the photo novel and his avant-garde creations like *L’An 01*.The exhibition draws from a collection of original drawings donated by Gébé’s family to the BNF.
A 1976 drawing by Gébé, featuring the question “What am I doing there?”, serves as the exhibition’s emblem.
National Press Conservatory to Open in Amiens by 2029
The National Library of France (BNF) holds an extensive collection of press materials, including 273,054 titles published in French, 43,180 titles in other languages, and approximately 500,000 dispatches from the Havas agency and AFP.
To ensure the preservation and accessibility of thes collections, the BNF will establish a new press conservation center in Amiens by 2029. The center will also house a National Press Conservatory (CNP), featuring a collection of 2,800 titles representing the history of the press in France.
The establishment of this conservatory underscores the recognition of the press, its heritage, and its history as a public good that requires protection.
Ministry of Culture Emphasizes Press Pluralism
The Ministry of Culture plays a crucial role in supporting the press, guaranteeing freedom of expression, promoting pluralism, and ensuring citizens have access to reliable information.
Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture, stated on Feb.7 that ”Freedom of expression is a fundamental freedom recognized by the Constitution, that the Ministry of Culture is responsible for protecting.”
State support for the press sector amounts to €365.7 million. This funding supports pluralism (€26 million) and local media, ensuring access to quality information at the community level.
An additional €3 million is allocated to media and information education,supporting initiatives that help citizens,especially young people,navigate the complex information landscape.
freedom of Expression in France: A Q&A
Q: What does a recent survey reveal about French citizens’ views on freedom of expression?
A recent survey highlights that a vast majority of French citizens consider freedom of expression a fundamental right, even amid concerns about disinformation and threats to press freedom. The January 2025 survey, conducted by the Jean-Jaurès Foundation in partnership with Ifop, found that 76% of French people view freedom of expression as a “fundamental right.” This is a meaningful increase compared to a similar survey in 2012, which showed an 18-point rise.
Q: What challenges does the press face in France, and how is the government responding?
Despite strong public support, the press in France grapples with challenges, including disinformation campaigns.The Ministry of Culture has launched various initiatives to protect press freedom and foster a collective commitment to freedom of expression and creation.
Q: What are the primary functions of the Press Drawing House?
The Press Drawing House will preserve the heritage of press drawings,support contemporary creators through a cartoonist-in-residence program,and educate the public,especially young people. It will also host cultural programs and debates related to the political, philosophical, and aesthetic aspects of press drawing.
Q: What is the significance of the upcoming Press Drawing House?
The Press Drawing House is slated to open in 2027. This project aims to provide a dedicated space to celebrate and explore the unique blend of art, journalism, illustration, and caricature found in press drawings. It was initially proposed in 2020 and honors Georges and Maryse Wolinski, who where tragically lost in the Charlie Hebdo attack. The Minister of Culture has said that the goal is “to value the central place occupied by press drawing in democratic life and in the defense of freedom of expression.”
Q: What is the BNF Exhibition and what does it showcase?
The National Library of France (BNF) is hosting a free exhibition dedicated to Gébé (1929-2004), a prominent figure in press drawing. The exhibition, running from May 6 to Oct. 19, showcases Gébé’s career, from his early training to his later works. It includes his contributions to the photo novel and avant-garde creations like L’An 01. Original drawings donated by Gébé’s family to the BNF form the exhibition’s core.
Q: What type of collection does BNF hold?
The National Library of France (BNF) has an extensive collection of press materials. This includes:
273,054 titles published in French
43,180 titles in other languages
Approximately 500,000 dispatches from Havas agency and AFP
Q: How is the BNF preserving and providing access to these press collections?
To ensure the preservation and accessibility of its extensive press collections,the BNF is establishing a new press conservation center in Amiens,set to open by 2029. This center will also house a National Press Conservatory (CNP).
Q: What is the role of the National press Conservatory (CNP)?
the CNP will feature a collection of 2,800 titles that represent the history of the press in france. This establishment underscores the recognition of the press, its heritage, and its history as a public good that requires protection.
Q: How does the Ministry of Culture support the press in France?
The Ministry of Culture plays a pivotal role in supporting the press. Its responsibilities include guaranteeing freedom of expression, promoting pluralism, and ensuring that citizens have access to reliable details.
Q: How does the Ministry of Culture support the press financially?
The state commits €365.7 million to support the press. This substantial funding includes:
€26 million earmarked for supporting pluralism and local media
* An additional €3 million is dedicated to media and information education, especially for initiatives that help citizens, especially young people, navigate the complex information landscape.
Q: What did the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, state about freedom of expression?
Rachida Dati, the Minister of culture, stated on February 7 that “Freedom of expression is a fundamental freedom recognized by the Constitution, that the Ministry of Culture is responsible for protecting.”