Electronic music recognized as an intangible heritage of France

France has officially included electronic music in its register of intangible cultural heritage. Rashida Dat, the country’s culture minister, said the genre “deserves a place in our national heritage.” Special attention in this recognition is paid to Jean-Michel Jarre, a key figure in French electronic music, who created the revolutionary album Oxygène in 1976 and initiated the style of French Touch.

For more than half a century, Jarre has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Eiffel Tower. He is also a UNESCO ambassador and former president of CISAC, playing an important role in promoting electronic music. His contribution was recognized by the French Legion of Honor.

France, as one of the birthplaces of electronic music (thanks to the inventor Maurice Martineau), now officially recognizes the genre as an important part of its intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the contributions of bands such as Air, Daft Punk and Justice.