The Institut national du patrimoine is contributing to the Pacte républicain [“Rebublican Pact”] by giving everyone access to works of art, knowledge and artistic practice throughout France, by including the challenges of the artistic and cultural education curriculum as part of its remit.
This cross-functional policy is reflected in the development of initiatives to reach out to the public and combat cultural exclusion, by strengthening the institution's national role through expansion to the regions, and by signing partnerships with cultural, educational and community networks.
It is in the heart of the Seine-Saint-Denis area that the department of conservator-restorers, located in Aubervilliers, plays a full role in transmitting knowledge about the arts and culture, especially to schools in the local Créteil education authority, in particular through the European Heritage Days which are a special opportunity to welcome the general public, including local residents, and in which the student conservator-restorers take part.
In addition, the Institut national du patrimoine is a "Cordée de la réussite" [“Ropes to success” state project] project leader for the Versailles and Créteil academies. This scheme aims to promote greater equity in access to higher education, an introduction to little-known or unfamiliar occupations and better access to culture for students in schools in the educational priority network, living in priority urban neighbourhoods, rural or isolated areas, and secondary school students in vocational and technological establishments. Nine schools (5 lycées [high schools] and 4 collèges [middle schools]) have now joined the "A nous le patrimoine!” [heritage is for us] Cordée.
Student curators are also required to work in groups and with charities in the social field to lead an education project in the arts and culture or a project on equal opportunities aimed at a socially disadvantaged audience or one with little access to culture. This project continues throughout the period of training.
