An association recognized as being of public utility, the Institute for French Know-How had to enter into safeguard procedure.
« The national strategy in favor of artistic crafts presented in May 2023 is a great ambition », explains Anne-Sophie Duroyon-Chavanne, general director of the Institute for French Know-How. But she fears that today she will pay the price for budgetary rigor. Created 135 years ago, the institute, which is a recognized public utility association, represents some 40,000 craft businesses of all sizes practicing nearly 300 trades. The allocations decided in 2023 could be revised downwards at the end of ongoing discussions with the Ministries of Finance and Culture.
As its financial situation became increasingly tense, the Institute decided to enter into safeguard procedure in September in order to freeze its debts. He cut his workforce in half by laying off 8 people and moved to smaller, less expensive premises. It continues its activity and works with a budget of 2.2 million euros compared to the 3.4 million planned. She still misses him « between 500,000 and 1 million euros »according to its director.
« All help is welcomeshe adds, even a donation of ten euros or time to help us in our missions of protection, transmission and development of know-how, which are part of our culture, our economy and offer meaningful jobs for our young people »supports Anne-Sophie Duroyon-Chavanne. The State's decision, in the spring, to transfer management of the Living Heritage Company (EPV) label from the institute to the Swiss certification giant SGS is not seen as a very positive signal.
