Providing access to culture for all

Excellence and culture accessible to all, with the help of corporate philanthropy.

In the aim of supporting culture for all, the BNP Paribas Foundation has been stepping up its commitment in this area in recent years.

Introducing opera to young people

Access to dress rehearsal performances

To date, the Foundation has helped 30,000 young people discover opera through dress rehearsals for those under 28 organised by the Paris Opera.

A few years ago, I was in a boat across the sea where every wave could be the last. I clung to the only thing I had left: hope. And last night, it was as if that hope were taking shape. You gave me more than a ticket to a show. It was an aside from time, a gift I will never forget.

Diversity and youth on stage with Junior Ballet

In May 2024, the Paris Opera announced the creation of its new company: the Junior Ballet. A project that would not have been possible without the support of its patrons.

Encouraging art practice

Dream Up

Cultural transmission

Bolstered by its experience with the Dream Up programme as well as an unprecedented philanthropic initiative by the BNP Paribas Group, the Foundation has decided to strengthen its cultural actions for young people by supporting:

• “Résidence Pro” (professional residence) by the Villa Medici is aimed at enhancing the excellence of French vocational and agricultural schools. Every year, it allows classes of secondary school students from vocational schools to focus on a skill sector which then becomes the common thread for a thorough exploration of its technical, social, artisan and artistic aspects
• The choir school La Maîtrise de Radio France (created by the French national public radio broadcaster “Radio France”) is an artistic and educational project that combines excellence in training and outreach on the national and international music scene. The goal: “To foster growth through music via an exceptional artistic journey” while showcasing the choral repertoire for children’s voices
• The participative and intergenerational artistic creation projects: “Au cœur de l’Athénée” led by the l’Athénée Théâtre Louis-Jouvet (video playlist on YouTube with the behind the scenes and performances), and L’opéra, c’est vous ! (The opera, it’s you!) led by the Bouffe du Nord Theater
• The Zip Zap Circus School in South Africa, which uses the circus arts to foster personal development, social integration and job creation
• The Divertimento symphonic orchestra
• The Wizz (Women in Jazz), a women’s mentorship programme in improvised music. It is led by Anne Pacéo, the Jazz sous les pommiers festival and the Les Gémeaux Theatre
• Opera For Peace, empowering extraordinary opera talents from six continents, many from underserved backgrounds. The goal: inspiring the next generation and reshaping the future of opera on a global scale
• Un pas vers la jeunesse, a project led by Maison de la danse de Lyon, whose ambition is to make dance more accessible, particularly to those under 30, with tickets at €5 for a selection of shows, a program of conferences, meetings with artists, etc.
• The Lyon branch of Elan, the (free) school of equal opportunities for dance. Its purpose is to open up pathways to professionalization in dance to everyone, with genuine social and cultural diversity
• Dans(e) ta classe, created by Marion Lévy – Cie Didascalie, is an innovative educational and artistic tool designed to fundamentally transform teaching practices in schools
• Les étoiles au château, a Hugo Marchand’s project which aims to invest in the courtyards and gardens of our French châteaux, as well as other local heritage gems. The idea? Taking dance performances outdoors to share the magic with a wider and different public, by offering exceptional shows accessible to all at a single price of €13
• Ensemble Nouvelles Portées, an ensemble that aims to develop young musical talent, trained at the finest French and European conservatoires, as well as promote new works. The objective: bring these musical works to the attention of the public
• PAX Musica, that supports professional musicians, who have found refuge in France, through artistic mentorship with renowned musicians

The BNP Paribas Foundation, a pioneer in supporting hip-hop 

A history of love

As a vehicle for excellence and equal opportunity, dance has been an art form dear to the BNP Paribas Foundation since 1986. Our mission:

to explore new approaches to choreography and music with the aim of encouraging diverse and inclusive stories.

The Foundation’s history with hip-hop began with support for artists – choreographers and dancers – who were already well known in the world of urban dance: for example, Jann Gallois, Amala Dianor, Wang Ramirez and, more recently, Leïla Ka.

Through its support for exploratory, trailblazing artistic creation, the Foundation has developed equally innovative sponsorship that promotes access to culture.

‘Hip-hop Turgot’ x the BNPP Foundation: aiming for excellence through dance 

We bring in artists, work with cultural organisations and share experiences. We want to create the best possible conditions for students to combine academic success with passion for the arts. – David Bérillon

The lycée, in the Marais in Paris, allows upper secondary students to take street dance classes for between 7 and 15 hours a week in addition to the standard school curriculum.

This option has around 60 students, with almost as many girls as boys. Every year, around a hundred candidates from all over France (and even internationally) apply in the hope of being selected for the programme.

Karile Richard, headmistress of Lycée Turgot, says:

he Foundation’s support is integral to the students’ development, contributing to their cultural and artistic awareness, promoting their well-being and giving them the drive to surpass themselves.

Our support has enabled:

• The broadcast of a collection of videos bringing hip-hop to iconic locations in Paris and showcasing dancers from ‘Hip-Hop Turgot’:

Demonstrating the range of the dancers’ talent, the videos can be used by students on their social networks or for their promotional materials.  

• An encounter between the students and Jann Gallois, a choreographer also supported by the Foundation. This collaboration came about following an invitation from Suresnes Cités Danse 2024 and resulted in the creation of an odyssey of movement that is a hymn to youth and the power of the collective, staged in two performances.
• ‘Hip-Hop Turgot’ revisits Ravel’s Boléro (article in French)

Once the Lycée Turgot students have obtained their baccalaureate, these talented young people trained in hip-hop techniques and the world of battles, choreographic creations and performances can go on to become professional dancers: for example, by joining the Génération Turgot collective.