Alliance Francaise de Bangalore celebrates 55th anniversary

“Not many people realise Alliance Francaise is not a network of French institutions; from the beginning, the founding fathers wanted it to be an association of free men supporting local initiatives,” says Jean-Marc Dépierre, director of Alliance Francaise de Bangalore.

“It is a network of local associations for people who enjoy certain aspects of French culture, whether it is the language, literature, music or more.”

Alliance Francaise was founded in 1883 by a distinguished group of thinkers, which included the scientist Louis Pasteur, writers Jules Verne and Ernest Renan, Ferdinand de Lesseps, a diplomat, and the publisher Armand Colin. 

One of the initial Alliance Francaises established outside France was in Puducherry, which became the first of 24 branches in India. “The Alliance in Bengaluru it was founded in 1970. This 45-year-old building is our second location.”

Jean-Marc, who has been director at this location for over a year, says it is heart warming to hear recollections of the place from people from all walks of life. “I’ve heard many touching testimonies from students, artistes, and audience about Alliance. For many, it starts with, “The first time I…” watched a play, performed as an artiste, attended a concert. In the ‘90s, Alliance was a place that gave you a glimpse of world culture, and widened one’s boundaries.”

Jean-Marc Dépierre, director of Alliance Francaise de Bangalore. 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Artists, wine makers, composers, musicians and professionals from many fields have walked through its doors. “But beyond the institution itself, what we want to celebrate is the values that Alliance Francaise has been promoting for 55 years and the people whose lives have been touched.”

The anniversary celebrations saw the institute honour former teachers and students. It also saw the return of the grand piano, courtesy the Bangalore School of Music, hinting at more musical events that could be expected at the newly renovated auditorium.

“I believe people don’t come to Alliance to learn a language. It is not only about learning words. It’s really about sharing an experience, language and culture. Basically, that’s what makes us human.”

According to Jean-Marc, the institute’s regular partnerships with other cultural institutions in this city such as the Museum of Art and Photography, Bangalore International Centre, Science Gallery and Sabah, among others is testament to “how vibrant the city is. We work together; we’re not in competition.”

At Alliance Francaise de Bangalore 55th anniversary celebrations
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The year 2026 was decreed as the Indo French year of innovation in a joint-announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in February. In keeping with this initiative, Jean-Marc says there will be a series of events at Alliance centres all over India, among which will be their participation in the upcoming BLR Hubba.

“When an institution has endured for 143 years despite challenges, it can only be attributed to a resilience forged with local collaboration. I believe these cooperative efforts have kept us vibrant for 55 years. We are not just an institution of the past, we’re an institution of the future.”

Updates on events at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore available on social media