30.01.2007
Today Vladimir Potanin was named an officer in the Order of Arts and Letters in Paris for his cultural contributions. The French Ministry of Culture and Communications granted the award.
«Mr. Potanin is well known in France not only as a prominent Russian businessman, but also as a connoisseur of French culture, who has done a lot to develop cultural ties between the two nations. Such ties often appear stronger than diplomatic relations», said the French culture minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres at the awarding ceremony.
«The award further promotes the image of my country, and I am very proud of it», said Vladimir Potanin in return while thanking the minister for appreciating his philanthropic activities so high.
The Order of Arts and Letters was established in 1957. Its purpose is the recognition of those who significantly contributed to the enrichment of the French or global cultural inheritance, arts and literature. The Order of Arts and Letters’ Board includes officials from the French Ministry of Culture and Communications, National Archive of the French Republic, as well as the representatives from the most prominent museums and libraries of France.
Mr. Potanin is known in France as a philanthropist, who was behind one of the brightest Russo-French events in recent years – exhibition «Paris – Saint Petersburg. 1800-1830. When Russia spoke French…». The exhibits for the unique show were provided by the biggest state museums of Russia and France. Interros also supported publication of the illustrated catalogue of the exhibition in Russian, French and English, as well as of the French-Russian Dictionary of Arts Terms issued in time for the exhibition.
