L'Alliance New York, formerly French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) is a 501(c)(3) not–for–profit organization incorporated in the State of New York. Its mission is to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of French and Francophone culture, to increase the knowledge of the French language, and to encourage interaction among French, Francophone, and American people through programs in education and the arts.
About FIAF
The Alliance Française de New York was founded in 1898, and the French Institute in 1911 (running the Museum of French Art), operated as two separate organizations, the first teaching French, the second promoting French art. In 1971, they merged to form the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), which has become one of the largest centers of French–American culture and education in the United States.[1][2][3]
Located on New York City's Upper East Side in a Beaux-Arts building reminiscent of the architecture of Georges-Eugène Haussmann in 19th century Paris, FIAF presents a mix of arts programs and events in addition to two cultural platforms, Crossing the Line, presented each fall, and World Nomads, presented each spring. FIAF's Language Center welcomes over 6,000 students each year who learn French from qualified professors, all of whom are native French speakers with a degree in teaching French as a foreign language.[4] FIAF is also home to the Haskell Library, the largest private French library in the United States,[5] and was cited by Time Out New York as one of the city's top cultural institutions.[6]
Cultural programming and events
FIAF presents a mix of programs in music, dance, theater, cinema, and visual arts in addition to two annual festivals, Crossing the Line, in the fall, and World Nomads, in the spring. FIAF also offers a variety of programs throughout the year including its longstanding weekly cinema series, CinémaTuesdays, Art de Vivre, a lifestyle series bringing the art and style of French living to New York audiences with evenings devoted to food, wine, fashion, and gardening, and the Gallery, which presents exhibitions of French and Francophone contemporary art and photography.
Crossing the Line
Crossing the Line, FIAF's fall festival, was launched in 2007 as a platform to present new works by a range of trans–disciplinary artists from both sides of the Atlantic. Initiated, conceived, and produced by FIAF in partnership with leading New York cultural institutions the festival presents original work with a specific focus on the artist's role as a thinker and catalyst for social change.[7]Crossing the Line is currently curated by Lili Chopra, Simon Dove, and Gideon Lester.
World Nomads
World Nomads, which launched in 2008, is a month–long series each spring which focuses on transculturalism and the cross–cultural exchange of artistic style, expression, and ideas. Serving as a platform for dialogue between French and Francophone cultures, World Nomads features programs in theater, film, music, visual arts, and literature.
World Nomads has presented the cultures of Africa, Haiti, and Lebanon over the first three editions.
FIAF established the Trophée des Arts in 1992, a gala and award ceremony honoring distinguished artists or cultural icons who have made significant contributions to French-American culture. The dinner and auctions raise funds to support FIAF’s mission to teach French and celebrate francophone cultures and creativity around the world. Notable recipients include Louis Malle, Jerome Robbins, Isabelle Huppert, Angelique Kidjo, Jeff Koons, and Jane Fonda.
Beginning in 1995, FIAF established the Pilier D’Or, also awarded during the annual Trophée des Arts gala and dinner, which recognized select individuals who made a lasting impact lasting impact on the development of the organization. Beginning in 2006, the Pilier d’Or began recognizing a leading business figure for their outstanding contributions to the French-American relations.
Past recipients and presenters of the Trophée des Arts
2022: Dr. Ilham Kadri CEO and President of the Executive Committee of Solvay
Art de Vivre
Established in 2014, FIAF’s Art de Vivre Award recognizes influential leaders from the food, wine, beauty, and fashion industries for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of the French art of living.
While most of the events at FIAF are held in English, many events, such as the social event Rendez–Vous, FIAF's annual celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau and Bastille Day, are held in French and offer opportunities to speak French and meet Francophiles
Florence Gould Hall is a 361-seat, proscenium stage theatre and concert hall operated by the French Institute Alliance Française at 55 East 59th Street (between Madison and Park Avenues). It opened in the spring of 1988.
It is often the site of New York Theatre Ballet productions such as the Nutcracker, but is mostly home to French cultural events, as per the mission of FIAF.
Language Center
The Language Center attracts over 6,000 students each year, offering courses at all levels from toddlers to adults, including, among others, thematic courses and corporate instruction. The Language Center has offered classes in New York City since 2008 and also offers instruction in Montclair, New Jersey.[8][9]
Haskell Library
Completely renovated by architect Michael Graves in 1998, FIAF's Haskell Library offers over 40,000 books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs for both adults and children. The library is accessible to FIAF members and students only.
Family programs
FIAF hosts educational and family programs such as French movies for kids with Cinékids, as well as Contes et Confettis and à petit pas story hours with stories and creative arts and crafts workshops.
