L’Alliance New York ,formerly known as the French Institute Alliance Française, FIAF unveiled its new name and brand identity, alongside upcoming arts and cultural programs which includes the annual Bastille Day celebration. Despite these changes, their core values remain unchanged. As part of the global Alliance Française network, L’Alliance New York continues to offer premier French language classes and artistic programs that reflect the diverse francophone cultures. Founded over 125 years ago, organization significantly evolved since. In 2022, Tatyana Franck became the new President, and last fall, Violaine Huisman was appointed Artistic Director. Under this new leadership, they aim to modernize and realign mission to serve as the home of francophone cultures and French language, connecting New York to the world.
President Tatyana Franck shares, “For the past 125 years, we have taught French to hundreds of thousands of students of all ages in New York City, Montclair, and online. We’ve hosted luminaries from art, culture, philosophy, literature, and business, presented renowned artworks in our gallery, and shared francophone cinema and theater masterpieces with you in Florence Gould Hall, now renamed Florence Gould Theater. Reflecting on our accomplishments and shared moments, the future looks even brighter. Our new name and visual identity represent our commitment to innovation, growth, and inclusivity, strengthening our community connections.” Franck adds, “It’s been inspiring to see our mission and programs resonate with so many. Our growth is made possible by our supporters’ generosity. The first phase of our landmark fundraising campaign, ‘L’Alliance 125,’ has raised $9M thanks to our Board of Trustees and major gifts from The Florence Gould Foundation and The Stephen and Amandine Freidheim Foundation. We are immensely grateful for this early support of our new vision for L’Alliance.” Franck concludes, “I look forward to welcoming you to L’Alliance New York at our annual Bastille Day celebration on Sunday, July 14!”
A new website with a user-friendly interface, improved class search pages, and a weekly blog covering culture, food, and French language tips is launching and 8th-floor event space, Le Skyroom, has been renovated with new French white oak hardwood floors, micro-cement kitchen floors, cork countertops, updated lighting, and freshly painted walls including a projection wall.
Continuing tradition as NYC’s destination for French cinema, they areexcited to welcome Jake Perlin as new film curator. Perlin has extensive experience, having been Associate Film Programmer at BAM and Curator-at-Large at Lincoln Center before founding Metrograph. He’s also a film distributor and publisher, recognized by the French government with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2018. Perlin’s first curated film series for L’Alliance will begin in September 2024 with CinéSalon.
As the interest in French language grows (currently the 5th most spoken language in the world and projected to be the 2nd by 2050), L’Alliance New York has expanded to meet this demand. In 2012, they opened a branch in Montclair, NJ, and this fall, a second preschool will be open as well. Additionally, classes for children ages 12-24 months will be introduced. Starting in September, Language Center will partner with the Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance (CNED), offering children and families the chance to follow the French academic track and validate their language skills with CNED at the end of each school year, a significant benefit for the francophone expat community.
With these new initiatives, L’Alliance remains dedicated to providing immersive French classes taught by native speakers for all ages and levels, available in-person in Manhattan and Montclair, online, and in private, semi-private, and corporate formats.