Honoring a French Connection: Minneapolis' Esteemed Performing Arts Curator

As the world turns its attention to Paris for the upcoming Summer Olympics, a remarkable French connection emerges from the heart of Minneapolis. Philip Bither, the performing arts curator at the Walker Art Center, has been bestowed with the prestigious Chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, a lifetime achievement honor that celebrates his invaluable contributions to the arts and literature.

Elevating Cultural Ties Between France and the United States

A Knighthood Recognizing Lifelong Dedication

Philip Bither, a native of suburban Chicago, has been the performing arts curator at the Walker Art Center since 1997. His recent honor, the Chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, is a testament to his lifelong commitment to promoting French culture and artists on the global stage. This prestigious award, bestowed by the French Ministry of Culture, is a lifetime designation that recognizes Bither's unwavering dedication to fostering cultural exchanges and international programming that have strengthened the ties between France and the United States.

Celebrating the Centrality of the Arts in French Culture

Bither's recognition reflects the French government's deep appreciation for the arts and their role in shaping national identity. As he humbly accepts the honor, Bither acknowledges the seriousness with which the French people and government view the arts, and how this attention has benefited countless American artists. The award ceremony, held at the Walker Art Center, was a testament to Bither's invaluable contributions in promoting French culture and artists, as well as his lifelong dedication to global artistic exchanges and international programming.

Aligning with the Walker's Upcoming Performing Arts Season

Coinciding with Bither's recognition, the Walker's upcoming performing arts season includes two works that align with French artist Sophie Calle's solo exhibition "Overshare." The first, "TRACES (after Sophie Calle)," is a site-specific show that will take place across multiple locations in Minneapolis in October. The second, an adaptation of Calle's "Exquisite Pain," will be featured during the Walker's "Out There" series beginning in January, presented by the British troupe Forced Entertainment. These programming choices further solidify the Walker's commitment to showcasing French artistic influence and fostering cultural exchange.

Discovering and Championing Francophone Artists

Bither's passion for Francophone artists has been a driving force throughout his career at the Walker. He has made it a priority to seek out and present the work of artists from French-speaking countries, recognizing the vital and electric contributions they have made to the global arts landscape. This season alone, the Walker will feature 19 projects, with several being unique discoveries that Bither has personally championed, often through chance encounters at international festivals or online.

Embracing the Challenges and Rewards of Commissioning New Work

Bither's tenure at the Walker has not been without its challenges, as he has navigated the complexities of commissioning new works. While two-thirds of the Walker's programming has allowed Bither to witness and invite artists to perform live, the remaining third involves investing in the ideas of artists that the institution trusts and hopes will result in remarkable creations. Bither acknowledges that not every commission has met the initial expectations, but he remains committed to the process, recognizing the inherent value in experiencing and discussing these artistic endeavors with the engaged Twin Cities audience.

Persevering Through Personal Adversity

Bither's journey at the Walker has also been marked by personal challenges, as he has faced and overcome a battle with cancer. After five years of formal remission, Bither's experience has instilled in him a renewed appreciation for the present moment and the privilege of his role at the Walker. Despite the scare of mortality, Bither remains steadfast in his dedication, recognizing that he cannot imagine a more fulfilling path than the one he has chosen, serving as a steward of the arts and fostering cultural connections that transcend borders.