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Francoise NyssenFrench publisher
Date of Birth: 09.06.1951
Country:  France |
Content:
- Françoise Nyssen: A Belgian-Born French Publishing Titan
- Publishing Success
- Cultural Initiatives
- Political Career
- Controversies and Resignation
- Awards and Recognition
Françoise Nyssen: A Belgian-Born French Publishing Titan
Early Life and EducationBorn in Belgium, Françoise Nyssen graduated from the Free University of Brussels in 1972 with a degree in chemistry and a teaching qualification. She went on to study urban planning at the Institut Supérieur d'Urbanisme et de Rénovation Urbaine from 1975 to 1978 and worked in the architectural department of the Belgian Ministry of Environment and Rural Affairs.
Publishing Success
In 1980, Nyssen embarked on her publishing career as president and general manager of a publishing cooperative in Paradou, France. She inherited Actes Sud, a publishing house founded by her father in Arles in the 1970s, after his passing. Actes Sud has published three Goncourt Prize winners, two Nobel Prize winners in Literature, the "Millennium" trilogy, and Julia Enders' "Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ." The publishing house became one of the most renowned in France, acquiring several others (Payot & Rivages, Le Rouergue, Jacqueline Chambon, Sindbad) and reaching a turnover of 85 million euros in 2015.
Cultural Initiatives
Nyssen was also a co-founder of the Cultural Association of Méjanes, which organizes concerts, exhibitions, and literary and cinematographic events at the Passage du Méjan in Arles. In 2014, she partnered with the Freinet School and applied Montessori principles to create the innovative school Domaine du possible (Realm of Possibilities).
Political Career
On May 17, 2017, Françoise Nyssen was appointed Minister of Culture in Édouard Philippe's government. She retained her position in the formation of Philippe's second government on June 21, 2017.
Controversies and Resignation
In 2018, Nyssen faced accusations of illegal fencing around her publishing house's headquarters. On August 29, police arrived at the building to investigate. On October 16, 2018, she was dismissed from the government as part of a series of changes in Philippe's cabinet.
Awards and Recognition
Nyssen has been recognized with numerous awards, including:- Officer of the Legion of Honour (2012)
- Commander of the National Order of Merit (2017)
- Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters
