Ville et Métiers d'art

Created in 1992 on the initiative of local elected officials, the Ville et Métiers d'Art network brings together 94 local authorities (inter-municipalities, medium-sized towns or small communes) that share the same policy: to encourage the development and transmission of exceptional know-how. They are therefore committed to developing and promoting arts and crafts in their area.

Situated at the crossroads of the economy and culture, art crafts are marked by the great diversity of their field of activity (fire arts, textiles, wood, instrument making, restoration of the built heritage, etc.) and their economic and legal profile (craftsmen, free artists, EPV, factories such as Baccarat). However, a common denominator unites these 281 trades: the excellence of the know-how and the presence of highly qualified jobs. The association's members are local authorities holding the "Ville et Métiers d'Art" label, awarded for five years following an application examined by independent experts.

Aware of the potential of the crafts for the economic, tourist and cultural life of their territory, the labelled towns undertake to

- encourage the installation of craftsmen, by creating incubators or relay workshops, and making premises available in the city centre,
- organise communication and promotional activities for the crafts: fairs, exhibitions, videos, publications, editions, etc.
- develop cultural tourism: themed tours, "open days", temporary shops, discovery routes
- promote actions for school audiences
- support initial and continuing education activities