Marseille Provence 2018: love brings finance and culture together

200 shows and five highlights are planned throughout the Bouches-du-Rhône department

In addition to bringing in €500 million in financial awards, Marseille-Provence's appointment as the European capital of culture in 2013 has boosted the area's image exponentially. That's why financial players are taking advantage of this heritage in 2018 to continue the momentum under the sign of love. Marfret CEO and enthusiastic MP2018 ambassador Raymond Vidil is increasing his presentations on the project to inspire managers to become sponsors. He has invited company heads from the "Invest in Provence" community to support this seven-month-long event. Over the course of 2018, 200 shows and five highlights are planned throughout the Bouches-du-Rhône department.

These financial players are extending the momentum of Marseille Provence 2013 by organizing MP 2018 for good reason—they understand the key role that culture plays in promoting the region's global visibility. Company heads are getting involved and have even agreed to foot half of the event's bill. "Against a backdrop of increased competition between the regions, we have to develop a strategy to draw financial players into the mix as investors. Art is a powerful symbol—especially in a city with roman roots. "Quel Amour!" is a wondrous occasion to come together that can't be missed," says Vidil, beaming.

A strong advocate for cultural activities, this Marseille native submitted his home city to European institutions as a candidate in 2013. Vidil has already been working on Marseille Provence 2018 for months, unifying forces and mobilizing public authorities, PMEs and major corporations for the project.

"Company heads have shown real initiative for MP 2018, but local authorities have demonstrated an impressive response to join the movement, providing half of the budget of €5.5 million. The entire metropolitan region has gotten involved. A 15-strong joint art committee is spearheading this effort," underscores Vidil.  As a member of the Mécènes du Sud association and Top 20—a club for the 40 largest companies in the city—Vidil is inviting companies to take part. "We offer five levels of sponsorship ranging from €5,000 to €300,000*. Sponsorship starts with a demonstration of love from your company to your region, your field, your product, etc.," he adds, his own devotion split between culture and the sea.

"Against a backdrop of increased competition between the regions,
we have to develop a strategy to draw financial players
into the mix as investors."

You're invited to le Grand baiser ("The Kiss")!

The year of love will be properly ushered in on February 14 with a dance for regional grade schools. On the weekend of February 17 & 18, Vieux-Port will play host to a recreation of Robert Doisneau's famous photo Le baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville, and everyone is invited.

Thousands of couples will gather to kiss at the same time, and Groupe F will bring its own fireworks to set the tone for the moment, which be captured by a gigantic Photomaton. Summertime will be full of chances to celebrate. The year of culture will culminate on September 2 with the 12th edition of Art-O-Rama, the international fair of contemporary art in Marseille. With its new and professional image, the fair has become its own separate tourist attraction.

Marfret will have a front-row seat to this metamorphosis, as its headquarters are located opposite the J1 hangar and MuCem. "2013 was a fabulous year, with 11 million visitors and 11,000 articles portraying the city's renewed image as a great place to visit," Vidil says proudly. "Now we intend to play in the big leagues," he confirmed, stating that the region has always been open-minded towards other cultures. Provence Promotion, too, is overjoyed in anticipation of the event, which will bring new impetus to the city's growing draw worldwide.

* Qualifies sponsors for a tax deductible of 60% of the amount pledged up to 0.5% of revenue.

Contact: Aleth Mandula
Head of sponsorship
Tel: +33 (0)7 84 22 11 39
E-mail: aleth@mp2018.com