Looking Back to Move Forward: A Year of Impact for the French-American Cultural Foundation
As we begin a new year, we take a moment to reflect on all that 2025 made possible. Our progress is thanks to you, our community of supporters, partners, and participants. Your engagement, generosity, and belief in our mission are what allow the French-American Cultural Foundation (F-ACF) to continue building meaningful connections across the Atlantic.
In a world shaped by rapid change and deep global interdependence, the importance of cultural dialogue and international collaboration has never been clearer. At F-ACF, we remain committed to championing the exchange of ideas, innovation, and shared history that emerge when France and the United States come together.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, 2025 marked a significant year of growth for the Foundation – one that allowed us to expand our programs, deepen institutional partnerships, and celebrate the enduring ties between our two nations.
In February, the Texas State Legislature passed a Resolution recognizing the historic ties between France and Texas, underscoring the role of F-ACF Texas in advancing cultural and scientific exchange in the region. This formal recognition affirmed the importance of regional engagement as a cornerstone of our work.
From March through May, F-ACF convened a series of Salons for Lynda Frenois, strengthening relationships between the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and Washington, D.C.’s vibrant cultural community. These gatherings created space for thoughtful exchange and reinforced the collaborative spirit at the heart of our mission.
April marked the inauguration of the Lafayette–Washington Award for Cultural Diplomacy, honoring individuals whose leadership exemplifies the values of transatlantic exchange. The inaugural ceremonies - held at the Residence of Ambassador Bili in Washington, D.C., and later in Paris at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée - symbolized the shared commitment to cultural diplomacy that defines the French-American relationship.
That same month, F-ACF presented Savoir Faire & Innovation at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Featuring Gary Tinterow, Olivier Gabet, and Valérie Maltaverne, the program explored the dynamic dialogue between tradition and innovation across art, design, and craftsmanship.
In July, we were honored to host a reception in New York City for the Royal Opera of Versailles as it embarked on its first North American tour, bringing centuries of French musical tradition to audiences across the United States and Canada. F-ACF also continued to serve on the Honorary Committee of the Royal Opera Gala at the Palace of Versailles, reinforcing our longstanding relationship with one of France’s most iconic cultural institutions.
Throughout the year, the Foundation remained deeply engaged in honoring shared history. Marking the 100th anniversary of Joséphine Baker’s journey from the United States to France, F-ACF supported the Joséphine Baker Commemorative Site in Le Vésinet, celebrating her extraordinary legacy and enduring French-American ties.
In October, we welcomed participants to our annual Paris Pop-Up Trip, offering a curated and immersive experience of French culture through exclusive access, conversations, and encounters with art and history - an experience designed to foster lasting connection and understanding.
December was marked by meaningful gatherings and new initiatives. At Bill Adair’s Gold Leaf Studios, F-ACF hosted a brunch for French curators working at American museums during the Embassy’s French Heritage Week, creating space for exchange among museum professionals engaged in transatlantic cultural work.
We also launched ART+HISTORY with art historian Paul Glenshaw, a new program that explores shared French-American histories through art, rigorous scholarship, and public dialogue. The series brings historical works and cultural exchange into conversation with contemporary questions, inviting audiences to engage with the past as a living, evolving narrative.
Later in the month, F-ACF hosted a screening of Alone on a Secret Atoll at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. Shot in French Polynesia by Galatée Films, the documentary offered an intimate look at the atoll’s ecosystem, inhabitants, and cultural significance.
In support of educational outreach, F-ACF also collaborated with the French Embassy on Ken Burns’ "The American Revolution" educational program for schoolchildren, assisting with student engagement and programming at the Embassy.
These achievements are the result of sustained generosity, thoughtful collaboration, and meaningful relationships. They allow us to elevate dialogue, strengthen cultural ties, and create programming that benefits both nations and their communities.
As we look ahead, your support remains essential. Your contribution ensures that F-ACF can continue honoring the past, engaging the present, and shaping the future of the French-American relationship.
Thank you for your generosity, your counsel, and your enduring commitment to our shared mission. Together, we move forward – rooted in history and inspired by what lies ahead.