Combining art and sport, “muscle to the mind” as Pierre de Coubertin said, is one of the foundations of Olympism. On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Games, art and sport engage in a dialogue and enrich each other. For open, participatory, unifying, and inclusive Games, Paris 2024 encourages everyone: artists, companies, associations, local authorities, sports clubs… to be active participants in the cultural programming of the Games. Across the territories, starting today, culture offers the greatest number of people the opportunity to participate in the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad.
Sport and culture are sometimes seen as opposites, but I believe they have much in common: performance, emotions, the pursuit of the beauty of movement, and above all, their ability to offer a diversity of disciplines that are unique channels of expression for personal development, emancipation, finding one’s path, and well-being. The Cultural Olympiad is an opportunity, for the first time, to showcase everything that unites us. It is an opportunity to celebrate the shared values, meaning, and diversity that sport and culture have in common.
The Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad is packed with a variety of events that blend art and sport.
Here are some highlights:
Multidisciplinary Artistic and Cultural Programme: This programme will run before and during the Games, featuring thousands of events across France and its overseas territories. Most events are free and open to the public.
European Heritage Days: These will include special events celebrating the unique and historical character of the Games.
Children’s and Youth Olympiad: A series of events aimed at engaging young people in the spirit of the Olympics through art and sport.
Art Exhibitions and Performances: Various exhibitions and performances will take place, showcasing the intersection of sport and art.
Local Cultural Initiatives: Artists, companies, associations, local authorities, and sports clubs are encouraged to participate in the cultural programming, making it a truly inclusive celebration.
Please explore the full programme and find events near you using the official Paris 2024 website.
The Children’s and Youth Olympiad is a special segment of the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, designed to engage young people in the spirit of the Olympics through a blend of art and sport. Here are some key details:
Dates: The Children’s and Youth Olympiad will take place from April 1 to June 20, 2024.
Activities: This period will feature a variety of events aimed at children and young people, including:
Workshops: Interactive sessions where kids can explore different art forms and sports.
Performances: Shows and exhibitions that highlight the talents of young artists and athletes.
Competitions: Friendly contests that encourage participation and showcase skills in both artistic and athletic disciplines.
Goals: The initiative aims to foster creativity and physical activity among young people.
Highlight the shared values of sport and art, such as excellence, inclusion, and diversity.
Provide a platform for young talents to express themselves and gain recognition.
Participation: Schools, youth organizations, and local communities are encouraged to get involved, making it a truly inclusive celebration.
This Olympiad is a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience the unique intersection of art and sport, and to be part of the Olympic spirit in a meaningful way.
In essence, combining art and sport, as Pierre de Coubertin famously said, is a cornerstone of Olympism. The Paris 2024 Games will see art and sport engaging in a rich dialogue, enhancing each other, they share much in common: performance, emotions, the pursuit of the beauty of movement, and their ability to offer diverse disciplines as unique channels of expression for personal development, emancipation, finding one’s path, and well-being. The Cultural Olympiad is a unique opportunity to showcase what unites us, celebrating the shared values, meaning, and diversity that sport and culture embody.