The French legal framework governing the performing arts combines cultural legislation, labour law and sector-specific regulations. It reflects the dual nature of live performance as both an artistic activity and an economic sector characterised by project-based production, discontinuous employment and significant public intervention. Accordingly, the legal framework seeks to reconcile freedom of artistic creation, protection of cultural workers and public support for artistic production and dissemination.
A major development was the adoption of the Law on Freedom of Creation, Architecture and Heritage (Law No. 2016-925 of 7 July 2016), which enshrined in French law the principle of freedom of artistic creation. Article 1 affirms that artistic creation is free, reinforcing legal protection against undue restrictions while recognising that any limitations must be prescribed by law and justified by legitimate public interests.
The organisation of live performance activities is subject to a specific regulatory regime applicable to entrepreneurs de spectacles vivants (live performance operators). Individuals and organisations that professionally produce, present or promote live performances—including theatres, concert halls, festivals, production companies, touring organisations and other presenters—must comply with statutory requirements relating to professional standards, labour obligations, health and safety, and the protection of artists, employees and audiences. This dedicated regime reflects the specific characteristics of the performing arts sector, where public performances involve safety requirements and where artistic production frequently relies on short-term and intermittent employment. Originally established by the Ordinance of 13 October 1945 and subsequently incorporated into the Code du travail (Labour Code), the system provides the legal framework for the professional organisation and public oversight of live performance activities.
The employment of performing artists, technicians and other cultural workers is governed by the Labour Code together with sectoral collective agreements. These provisions regulate recruitment, contracts, remuneration, working conditions and social protection while taking account of the specific characteristics of intermittent employment, which remains a defining feature of the French performing arts sector (see chapter 2.5.6).
Sector governance is supported by structured mechanisms for consultation and social dialogue. The National Council for Performing Arts Professions (Conseil national des professions du spectacle, CNPS), established in 2013, brings together representatives of the State, employers, trade unions and professional organisations to discuss employment, training and regulatory developments affecting the sector. At regional level, the Regional Committees for Performing Arts Professions (Comités régionaux des professions du spectacle, COREPS), created in 2004, facilitate coordination between public authorities and professional stakeholders on issues relating to employment, working conditions and territorial cultural development.
Alongside these regulatory mechanisms, public intervention is guided by the Charter for Public Service Missions in the Performing Arts (1998), which defines the principles governing publicly supported performing arts institutions. These include artistic freedom, cultural diversity, equal access to culture, support for artistic creation and dissemination, and balanced territorial development.
Overall, French legislation on the performing arts combines the protection of artistic freedom with a detailed regulatory framework governing professional practice, employment relations and public intervention. While the legal architecture has remained relatively stable, current policy developments increasingly focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of employment models, strengthening social dialogue and supporting the adaptation of the performing arts sector to changing patterns of production, dissemination and audience engagement.
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