Every year, the Institute for French Craftsmanship organizes the Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art ( JEMA), a heritage and artistic event that gives the general public the opportunity to visit the workshops of French artists and craftsmen, and discover their work and skills.
Painting, sculpture, goldsmiths, watchmakers, chiselers, lacemakers, hatters, blacksmiths, engravers, carpenters... More than 280 professions have been awarded the "métier d'art" label, a term that celebrates the specific skills and techniques required to maintain and bring to life France's heritage. These craftsmen are therefore particularly highlighted during the JEMA, an event that has become an essential part of the country's cultural calendar.
In 2025, the Journées des Métiers d'Art will return from March 31 to April 6, for a 19th edition on the theme "traits d'union". The event was confirmed on January 17, after many months of uncertainty.
Indeed, on its official website, the event announces that it is " facing serious challenges ". These include funding problems, due to the dissolution of the National Assembly, and the postponement of the vote on the finance bill for the year.
" Applications did not open as usual in December. They remain on hold as we have yet to confirm our budget. The opening of applications for JEMA 2025 is on hold, subject to validation of the PLF (Projet de Loi de Finances) 2025 ", explains the website.
Following the dissolution of Michel Barnier's government, the French National Assembly was unable to vote on the Finance Bill, the text that determines the budget allocated to each area of the State for the coming year. As a result, funding for various projects and organizations, such as the experimental casino project in Paris, has come to an end.
François Bayrou's government was upheld on January 16, following the Prime Minister's general policy speech. As a result, JEMA was assured of new funding to hold the event next spring. However, the organizer warns, " in the absence of sufficient funding, we are forced to ask you this year to contribute to the costs as participants. "
As a result, artisans, workshops and houses opening their doors to the public for JEMA will have to pay a registration fee for the event. These fees could be passed on to the public.
Official website
www.journeesdesmetiersdart.fr
