Bureau des ÃŽles Anglo-Normandes

A Channel Islands delegation composed of the Ministers of External Relations of Jersey and Guernsey (respectively Deputy Philip Ozouf and Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq) and the Minister of Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture of Jersey (Deputy Kirsten Morel) visited Rennes on 18 October.

In a post-Brexit world, the islands want to rebuild trust and reaffirm long-standing ties in a wide range of areas, including culture, economy, tourism and education.

In the field of art and culture, the Jersey government’s 2022-27 strategy recognizes the need to develop much stronger cultural relations and artistic exchanges with European countries, and with France in particular.

Rennes is a dynamic city rich in artistic and cultural experiences. The purpose of this visit was mainly to meet Breton cultural institutions with a view to discussing respective approaches and visions, to consider future collaborations, and to meet historical partners.

The day began with a visit to the cultural centre Les Champs Libres, which fully meets the objectives identified in Jersey’s cultural strategy and which could become an inspiring model for the future cultural centre of Jersey. It was followed by a visit to the Rennes Opera as part of the Opera on screens operation, of which Jersey and Guernsey have been partners for many years. An inspiring encounter, the opera implementing innovative actions throughout the year to open up culture to various audiences. A visit to the Ateliers du Vent provided an opportunity to discover this place of creation which echoes the work of Art House Jersey and Guernsey Arts Commission in favour of artists and local creation, and to consider joint projects between Channel Islands and French artists in residence.

Throughout the day, the ministers also met with representatives of the Regional Council of Brittany to present the new government of Jersey and develop concrete actions in areas such as transport, yachting and tourism. In addition, a meeting with the department of Ille et Vilaine also took place within the framework of the cooperation already established with the Department for many years, and with which new avenues of cooperation in terms of culture have been identified.