The French-American Cultural Foundation (F-ACF) is proud to celebrate a landmark moment in the rich history of French-Texan relations.
On October 9–10, 2024, our Foundation had the privilege of welcoming French Ambassador to the United States, Laurent Bili, to Texas for a series of events in Houston that highlighted the deep cultural, scientific, and economic ties between France and the Lone Star State. These celebrations coincided with a Texas Legislature resolution recognizing the centuries-long friendship between France and Texas, as well as the meaningful contributions of the Consulate General of France in Houston.
The resolution, led by the 89th Texas Legislature, honored the role of the Consulate – under the leadership of Consul General Valérie Baraban since 2021 – in fostering trade, education, culture, science, and diplomacy. Notably, it acknowledged the 2024 creation of the French-American Cultural Foundation Texas Partnership (F-ACF TX), marking a new chapter in our shared history.
The resolution traced this relationship back centuries – to the arrival of French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, in 1685; to France’s recognition of the Republic of Texas as a sovereign nation in 1839; and to waves of French immigrants, entrepreneurs, and missionaries who helped shape Texas’s cultural and economic landscape.
Today, that legacy lives on in vibrant exchanges across business, science, and the arts.
France ranks as Texas’s 14th-largest trading partner, with $15.6 billion in imports and exports in 2022 alone.
More than 80 French companies have launched projects in the state over the past decade, drawn by Texas’s role as a global leader in energy, medicine, and innovation – home to the largest medical center in the world and now the second-largest financial center in the U.S., following the New York Stock Exchange’s expansion to Dallas.
Launching the French-American Cultural Foundation Texas Partnership
This historic resolution coincided with the official launch of F-ACF TX on October 10, 2024, announced during a dinner and reception at the home of Albert and Anne Chao, esteemed leaders in Houston’s business, academic, and cultural community. Their support and vision have been instrumental in strengthening French-American ties across the region.
The previous day, following a visit to NASA, F-ACF hosted the French Ambassador in a series of events highlighting the intersections of science, culture, and diplomacy, reflecting both Houston’s global stature and France’s commitment to collaboration.
The day began with the Space & Wellness Symposium at Rice University, where NASA’s Human Research Program joined leading biomedical researchers and environmental scientists to discuss human adaptation to spaceflight, astronaut health, and innovations in habitability and design systems for long-term space missions.
These conversations bridged disciplines, from human systems engineering to behavioral health, emphasizing how space exploration research benefits life on Earth, advancing medicine, sustainability, and technology.
That evening, at the Residence of French Consul General Valérie Baraban, guests gathered for a special reception featuring Christopher Rothko, son of the renowned artist Mark Rothko, and Dr. Ruth Simmons, distinguished educator and humanist. Together, they explored Rothko’s lasting impact, including the celebrated exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, reflecting on the power of art to transcend borders and speak to the human spirit.
Chef Hugues Cossard, recently named Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole, crafted the reception menu showcasing the elegance and creativity of French gastronomy.
An exquisite dinner followed at the home of Albert and Anne Chao, welcoming Ambassador Bili and celebrating the vibrant Houston cultural community. Ambassador Bili spoke of the important innovations that France and Texas are championing together.
One Year of Accomplishments: The 12-Month Anniversary of F-ACF TX
As the French-American Cultural Foundation celebrates the 12-month anniversary of F-ACF TX, we reflect on a remarkable first year of milestones:
- Texas Senate Resolution Passed: A historic acknowledgment of the enduring bonds between France and Texas and the role of F-ACF TX in fostering cultural, scientific, and economic partnerships.
- October Events: From space innovation at Rice University to cultural tributes at the French Consul General Residence, our landmark October programming brought together leaders across disciplines.
- Announcing the Co-Chairs of F-ACF TX: The appointment of Anne Chao and Charles Foster as co-chairs of F-ACF TX, whose leadership and generosity have been central to building this transatlantic bridge.
- Expanding Cultural Dialogue: Through new friendships in Houston, F-ACF TX was introduced to the Asia Society, the ideal venue for the upcoming screening of 200 Days on a Secret Atoll – a project that deepens conversations at the intersection of French, Texan, and French-Asian cultural relations.
This first year laid the foundation for even greater initiatives in the future, strengthening the role of Texas as a hub for international collaboration.
As we celebrate the Texas Senate’s recognition of the enduring bonds between France and Texas, the French-American Cultural Foundation is committed to expanding its programming across the state through F-ACF TX. Upcoming initiatives include a Democracy Lecture Series with historian Iris de Rode and private screenings of 200 Days Alone on a Secret Atoll, deepening our exploration of culture, history, and the arts.