Water heritage
Fully in tune with the calendar and the debates that will be taking place throughout the year, the theme of the 30th International Heritage Fair will be Water Heritage.
Stéphane Galerneau, President of Ateliers d’Art de France and of the International Heritage Fair, describes the richness of the theme for the 2024 edition: “Water, source of life, anchor of all civilisations. From springs to oceans, lakes and rivers, mankind has built up an incredible heritage”.
This maritime, hydraulic, river, thermal and port heritage originated from the invaluable skills of fine craftspeople and builders. Today, more than ever, we need them to restore and conserve, but also to innovate and enable these buildings to continue to stand the test of time.
Climate regulator, home to biodiversity, source of energy, integral part of the economy, water—fresh or sea—is part of our daily lives and the focus of many future challenges addressed at the Fair, which attracts over 300 exhibitors and almost 20,000 visitors every year.
A theme un tune with societal issues
Emphasising that “the oceans are at the heart of our destiny and that of humanity”, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the Year of the Sea will run from September 2024 to September 2025.
In September 2024, the European Heritage Days will also be dedicated to maritime issues.
For this anniversary edition, Ateliers d’Art de France is putting together an exceptional programme of conferences linked to the annual theme. Know-how demonstrations, a series of lectures, a TV studio and prize-giving ceremonies will punctuate the four days at the Carrousel du Louvre, delighting both the general public and visiting professionals.
It is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of this heritage, and to exchange ideas on how to showcase skills that are sometimes two millennia old.
A rich and diverse heritage
The built heritage linked to water, in all its forms, needs to be safeguarded, a subject that was discussed at the Fête de la Mer et des littoraux (Sea and Coast Festival), demonstrating the willingness of stakeholders in the sector to join forces in order to share best practice and preserve this heritage, some of which is falling into disuse.
At the crossroads of multiple public policies (economy, employment, ecology, culture, tourism, defence), water, the source of life, is a fundamental common asset, a little-known heritage. Water (and the buildings associated with it) will be explored in all its forms at the International Heritage Fair, through maritime, hydraulic, river, port and spa heritage.
France, with the world’s second largest maritime area, boasts an exceptional maritime heritage and a multitude of waterways winding their way through the country, shaping the landscape, encouraging economic development and facilitating trade.
Bridges, dams, fountains, harbours, wash-houses, water towers, boats, canals, mills – these are just some of the buildings that have required the invaluable skills of fine craftsmen and builders. It is thanks to these professionals, who restore, conserve and innovate, that all this water-related heritage has survived to the present day.
Know-how demonstrations, conference & debates
Would you like to share your expertise around the annual theme?