From Renaud to IAM, over 1,200 artists denounce 'far-right threats' to culture

A significant coalition of over 1,200 French musicians, technicians, concert halls, and festivals have jointly signed a petition expressing grave concern over the "threats of the far-right" to cultural freedom and diversity. The appeal, published on June 18 in the journal Politis, criticizes the "dominant position" of major industrial groups within the music sector and denounces the rising influence of the Rassemblement National (RN) party.

Notable signatories include prominent French artists such as Renaud, Bernard Lavilliers, Barbara Pravi, Ebony, IAM, and Médine. Titled "Appel des 1000: la musique en résistance" (Call of the 1000: Music in Resistance), the initiative, supported by the Syndicat des musiques actuelles (SMA), declares music a "living common good." The artists argue that music is inherently popular and diverse, standing in stark contrast to what they describe as "reactionary fantasies."

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The project of the far-right is the risk of a crackdown: criminalization or repression of certain musical scenes, racist hierarchy of music deemed legitimate or illegitimate, end of cultural aid for those who question the national myth and carry progressive discourse.

The petition specifically voices fears about the potential impact of a far-right presidential victory in 2027. Signatories warn of a risk of "marching orders" for the cultural sector, which could manifest as the criminalization or repression of specific musical genres, the imposition of a racist hierarchy on what is deemed legitimate music, and the cessation of cultural funding for artists who challenge national myths or express progressive views.

In conjunction with the petition, the signatories are launching a new collective named "Cultures Futures." This group aims to build solidarity among cultural workers, advocating for a "truly multidimensional culture" that is liberated from the racist, sexist, classist, LGBTQIA+-phobic, and ableist dynamics they believe are currently favored by the system. The collective intends to connect various artistic fields and influence the political debate, particularly in the lead-up to the presidential campaign, to foster alternative possibilities for culture.

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Let's converge our forces beyond our scenes, our aesthetics, and our sectors. Let's connect music to other fields of culture, [...] Let's influence the debate of the presidential campaign, and let's build together solidarities capable of opening up other possibilities.