2024 Challenges and Cultural Events at Maison de l’Occitanie in New York

2024 will certainly be one of the most challenging years for the Maison de l’Occitanie in New York. For several months, exhibitions and cultural events have added to what they offer business support. “With culture, we reach a different kind of audience than we did at business events. Whether through literature, art or even sport, there is a real change in appeal around the House due to the impact of these events.”, cheers Paul Cousin, executive director. The coming months will not be an exception to this new rule.

Géraldine Auret, an artist from Occitanie who will be exhibiting for the first time in the United States

A busy cultural program at the Maison de l’Occitanie

For a month from May 15, a monographic exhibition will present the work of Géraldine Auret, “an artist from Montpellier who is coming to exhibit for the first time in the United States”. Collection of passengers “Blue Skinned Woman”reflects an authentic Mediterranean woman in all her senses. Varnishing will be held on May 22.

Other voices from the Mediterranean can be heard on May 16 with an event dedicated to Albert Camus and Romain Gary. This meeting, which was organized as part of the 3rd Meeting of the Festival of French Authorsespecially allowing Montpellier author Mona Azzam to discuss both authors in the scene.

In this Olympic year, sports are still a hot topic. While Toulouse swimmer Léon Marchand trains on the other side of the Atlantic, the Maison de l’Occitanie team supports Franco-American ties in this area, such as with Club Toulouse and FC Harlem.

Between large salons and small producers

From a business point of view, the Occitan sector continues to be a success for the House, thanks to an increased presence at the American trade fairs, but not only: “The biggest event at the Maison de l’Occitanie is still the one dedicated to wine which brings together 50 producers and 60 American and Canadian buyers for three days.”. This view allows small Occitan producers to set foot in North America and sometimes return to expand their presence. “For American customers, it is important to see this mission continue in the United States and there are many States to believe! »Paul Cousin reminds us.

The Maison de l’Occitanie, where Occitan talents are exported to the United States

Occitan technology influences America

But the support does not stop at gastronomy. After last year’s success, the Maison de l’Occitanie will welcome in the autumn of 2024 a delegation of about ten startups to come and meet New York and the American market. “We show them the New York ecosystem, prepare training for them on fundraising, interculturality, how to apply English and even on setting up in the United States.” Meetings are also held with beginners who are already present,” he explains it to us. In 2023, Benjamin Fabre, CEO of DataDome, was able to meet and advise those companies that work in aeronautics, cybersecurity and even med technology. To believe that the sun of the Occitanie region supports good ideas growing and that New York House is still a small corner of blue sky for them.