A successful second edition

The second edition of the "Salon des métiers d'art de Lens" (Artistic Professionals trade show in Lens), held in Lens from October 17 to 19, 2008, was an out-and-out success, with attendance doubled from 2,000 to 4,000! The co-organizers of the event-the  Lens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Lens-Liévin urban area, and Lens city council-are already planning next year's edition...!

This cultural event brought together high-profile artists, creators, and heritage restorers (including prestigious French craft guilds such as the "Meilleurs Ouvriers de France" and the "Compagnons du Devoir")... and in anticipation of the opening of the Louvre-Lens, the Musée du Louvre workshops also had a stand at the show.

A spotlight on the Louvre

Eleven professionals from the joinery-cabinetmaking, painting-decoration, framing-gilding, and tapestry-making workshops at the Louvre demonstrated their skills during this three-day event, and were given the place of honor on the stage of the Salle Jean-Nohain, near the Bollaert stadium. This was an exceptional outing for these teams of experts who rarely leave the Parisian palace, and the team of organizers were honored to welcome them.

Enthusiastic young visitors

The first day of this year's show was reserved for schoolchildren. Three hundred youngsters came to discover these fascinating professions which offer considerable career opportunities. The artisans and young people were able to talk freely about training programs and career prospects-and the reaction was encouraging, especially as an apprentice training center (CFA) including courses devoted to artistic professions is currently being planned for Lens.