French museums extend partnership to support youth from modest backgrounds

The musée d’Orsay and the musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, France, signed a new agreement with the Fondation Culture & Diversité to continue supporting young people from modest backgrounds.

This partnership aims to improve access to cultural institutions and provide career opportunities in the arts. The organizations will extend their collaboration until 2031. The collaboration has provided various opportunities for youth since 2021, including seasonal jobs, museum visits, and mentorship programs.

These initiatives help young people feel more included in cultural spaces. An Odoxa study for the Fondation Culture & Diversité found that 69 percent of young people who had a cultural experience expressed a desire to return to such locations on their own. Over the last 15 years, the partnership helped 178 young people secure seasonal employment and distributed more than 600 passes. The program also provided direct support to 40 students regarding their studies and professional integration.

Mentorship remains a key tool for the program, with museum staff volunteering to guide students. For the 2025-2026 period, 14 student and professional pairs were formed, and 21 more staff members volunteered for the 2026-2027 period.

Annick Lemoine, president of the public establishment for the musée d’Orsay and musée de l’Orangerie, stated that the goal is to make museums places where everyone feels legitimate regardless of their background. Éléonore de Lacharrière, president of the Fondation Culture & Diversité, noted that while cultural talents exist everywhere, opportunities do not always reach everyone. The partnership seeks to bridge this gap by helping youth discover careers in the cultural sector.