The importance of culture in Monaco

The Prince's Government continues to encourage cultural excellence by supporting cultural institutions that enhance the Principality's international standing, such as developing museums and cultural facilities and supporting a variety of other creative endeavours.

International cultural influence 

The Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Monte-Carlo Opera and the Musiciens du Prince Orchestra, Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival, the Princess Grace Theatre, Monaco Audiovisual Institute, Monaco Philosophical Encounters, the Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation all contribute to providing excellent cultural offerings through the production of high-profile seasons and events, featuring internationally renowned artists, and an ambitious programme of international tours, all in celebration of the arts and creativity.

Developing museums and cultural facilities

Thanks to the thriving development of museums and top-quality cultural facilities, the Principality is home to many major public events, hosted in a stunning setting, where venues dedicated to artistic creation can also be found. 

The Nouveau Musée National showcases its heritage collections while encouraging visitors to discover the contemporary art scene through a packed calendar of exhibitions and events, organised at Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber.
The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology conserves and restores the State's archaeological collections, contributes to research and excavation programmes, and organises annual themed exhibitions.

The Variety Theatre, the Rainier III Auditorium, the Fort Antoine Theatre, and the Studios de la Costa are all prestigious cultural venues managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs to host exquisite public performances from various cultural entities.

The Exhibition Hall on Quai Antoine I rounds off the list of venues, with a versatile space of 1,000 m2 for exhibitions organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs or cultural associations such as the International Association of Art at UNESCO, Pavillon Bosio - Monaco Art School and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation .

Supporting creativity

As part of its continued efforts to support creativity, the Prince's Government assists cultural institutions, such as the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Opera, the Musiciens du Prince Orchestra, Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, in inviting internationally renowned artists to collaborate on unique events.

The Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation encourages contemporary creative practice by providing annual awards to artists from the worlds of literature, music, and contemporary art and hosts conferences throughout the year.

In addition, Monaco Philosophical Encounters, which offers an ambitious programme of events aimed at developing, communicating, and sharing philosophy through the discussions and workshops it hosts, also awards philosophy prizes, including the Principality Prize, in collaboration with the Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation.

Through calls for applications, the Prince's Government offers artist residencies to enable the design and realisation of artistic projects, thus encouraging creativity and helping forge artistic synergies by hosting international artists.

Through the Percent for Art scheme, the government regularly commissions artworks and calls for artistic projects to enhance certain public buildings during construction or renovation.
 

A varied and accessible range of cultural events

In conjunction with the programmes on offer from the leading cultural institutions, the Prince's Government entrusts the Department of Cultural Affairs to organise a variety of events aimed at a wide audience, including the European Heritage Day, performances at the Fort Antoine Theatre, International Organ Festival, exhibitions held at Quai Antoine I, Baroque Music Concerts, all supported by an affordable pricing policy.

Art education

The Department of Cultural Affairs has devised a youth culture policy, and thanks to support from the Prince's Government in collaboration with the Department of Education, Youth and Sport and the various Monegasque cultural institutions, there are also numerous other initiatives in place to improve access to culture for young audiences.

Furthermore, the three establishments listed below also contribute to encouraging cultural activities by providing high-quality artistic education within the Principality: the Pavillon Bosio - Monaco Art School, the Rainier III Academy of Music and Theatre, and Princess Grace Dance Academy 
 

Support for artists and cultural associations

The Department of Cultural Affairs has implemented several measures to support the Principality's artists and cultural associations.

Cultural associations can take advantage of an annual operating grant, thanks to the Department of Cultural Affairs, which supports and encourages their activities throughout the year. The Department of Cultural Affairs also provides these associations with free access to well-maintained cultural facilities (theatres, exhibition spaces), enabling them to showcase their repertoire and reach new audiences.

Thanks to support from the State, Monegasque associations and amateur or professional Monegasque and resident artists may be eligible for funding to carry out a cultural project, subject to certain conditions. This financial aid supplements contributions made by the project leaders.

The Act on Support for Professional Artists no. 1.360 of 4 July 2009 sets out a legislative framework enabling artists to pursue their activity on a self-employed basis and to benefit from a certain amount of support. The status of Occasional Artist is intended for those who carry out an artistic activity alongside their main occupation.

Every two years, the Department of Cultural Affairs holds the Artists' Forum. This event provides an opportunity for professional and amateur artists to exhibit their work and meet their audience.

In addition, the Annuaire des Artistes de Monaco showcases Monaco's artists, associations, and cultural institutions, providing details of their careers, works and activities while sharing their latest news.

Preserving and enhancing local heritage

The Prince's Government prioritises the conservation, enhancement and access to the Principality's cultural heritage, with several institutions tasked with these missions, including the Heritage Institute as part of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Monaco Audiovisual Institute, the Heritage Fund managed by Monaco City Hall and the advisory councils that formulate and guide heritage policy in terms of preservation and enhancement, such as the Heritage Council and the Commission des Orgues.