Michael Bloomberg is the founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, and he served as Mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013. As Paris prepares to host the 2024 Olympic Games, it has an opportunity to showcase how art can foster civic unity and bridge political divides. Art and culture play a crucial role in democratic societies by bringing together diverse perspectives and contributing to economic growth.Paris has demonstrated the power of public art installations to boost tourism and local businesses. For example, Christo and Jeanne-Claude's "L'Arc de Triomphe, Empaqueté" in 2021 increased tourism by nearly 20% during its 16-day run, benefiting nearby shops, hotels, and cafes.
Bloomberg Philanthropies has been actively supporting arts and culture in Paris and globally. The organization recently expanded its Bloomberg Connects mobile application to include guides for nearly 40 French cultural institutions, including Paris Musées and the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. This initiative joins over 450 cultural institutions from 24 countries already accessible on the app, providing free, multilingual access to artistic and cultural experiences.The Bloomberg Connects app, with over three million users, allows people to explore cultural institutions worldwide through their phones, offering insights from museum staff, gallery curators, and artists themselves. This digital approach aligns with Bloomberg Philanthropies' mission to make arts accessible to a wider audience.As Paris hosts the Olympics and grapples with political challenges, it has the opportunity to leverage art and culture to strengthen civic unity and demonstrate the economic and social benefits of cultural engagement. This moment, or "kairos" as the ancient Greeks called it, presents a chance for Paris to showcase the transformative power of art in fostering community and driving economic growth.
Seen in Le Figaro © www.vwart.com
Comments