What is the Alliance Française?
An International Cultural Network
The Alliance Française was created in 1883 by intellectuals and scientists such as Louis Pasteur, Jules Verne or Ferdinand de Lesseps. The international network of Alliances Françaises currently consists of 1071 committees established in 138 countries. The quality of instruction adapted to different publics and the ability to welcome all nationalities enables the Alliances Françaises to support and develop the teaching of French throughout the world to more than 450 000 students every year.
A non-profit organisation
The Alliances Françaises are not profit making societies registered with local authorities.They are admnistered by Committees composed of people from the economic, business and cultural spheres. Its statutes are recognised by the Fondation Alliance Française.
Education of Exceptional Quality
The Alliances Françaises offer courses for adults, adolescents and children. The Alliances’ teachers have university qualifications, specialising in teaching French as a foreign language (FLE). Many Alliances Françaises are examination centres for the DELF (Diplôme Elémentaire de Langue Française) and the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française). Courses at the Alliances Françaises include basic language (beginner through to advanced), conversation; French literature, French for travellers and a large range of various workshops proposed by each Alliance.
An Organisation Proudly Supporting Cultural Projects
The Alliance Française favours and supports tours by artists around the world; with the aim of developing links and exchanges between different cultures. With the support of CulturesFrance and the French Embassy, the Alliance Française organises cultural projects (singers, actors, mime artists, musicians, dancers) in all of the countries where it is present. Many Alliances Françaises are also art galleries, where both French and other artists can exhibit. In each country where it is present, the Alliance Française takes special interest in supporting local artists.
The Alliance Française in Australia
The first Alliance Française in Australia was founded in Melbourne in 1890. The Federation of Alliances Françaises in Australia is made up of 31 individual branches and is administered by a Federal Committee. The Secretary of the Federation is sent by the Alliance Française de Paris. He promotes continual contact and the circulation of information between the local committees, the French Embassy and the Alliance Française de Paris. The Federation is under the patronage of His Excellency, the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
The Alliance Francaise de Canberra
The Alliance Francaise de Canberra was formed in 1943 at the instigation of Mr George Vincent. George is remembered for his long and valued service to the cause of the Alliance Francaise. His memory is honoured with an annual prize given to a student who excels in French studies.
A Language Centre
The Alliance Française de Canberra organises French language tuition for adults, high school students, children at all levels of competence in French (in groups or on a one-to-one basis, at the Alliance, at your home or on company premises).
A Cultural Centre
The Alliance Française contributes to the French Arts in Canberra by teaming up with local Australian cultural organisations to promote artistic productions from France and Australia.
• The Gallery: works from French and Australian artists are also regularly displayed in our Gallery. Contact us to ask if you wish to exhibit in our Gallery.
• Our Cultural Programme offers a wide range of activities and events, exhibitions, concerts, French film screening, dances and lectures opened to all.
A French Multimedia Library
The Resource Centre : over 8,000 items including books, magazines, newspapers, travel guides, comics, children books, audio cassettes, CD and CD roms, videos and DVD's.
Official translation and interpreting services are also available at competitive rates.
A Café Bar is opened daily on the premises & French Channel TV programme including TV5, Euronews, Eurosport, and many others are screened daily on a giant TV screen as from 9am.