About us
This is a group to bring together people who want to engage with Paris’ arts/cultural scene and to discuss in English. A focus on theatre, film, art exhibitions and anything else that sets the heart soaring (while still getting one's teeth into it intellectually).
I’m looking for people who like to go a little deeper than solely their own personal experience/response to the work (that is, those that enjoy dipping into a bit of secondary literature before the discussion). The vibe I’m envisaging is a very chill grad student reading group (but don’t feel like you need to have been to grad school!).
The format will depend upon the topic – but will be built around having an extended discussion (a couple of hours+) on the subject. As a starting point, I would look to host a group of 6-10 people in my apartment in the 9eme. I hope this would evolve to also seeing the relevant exhibition/play/film, etc. together if a core group forms over time.
At first, I will build the topics around my current interests but I’m hoping that also evolves as the group grows and others have further discussion interests.
About the name:
In the late 1920s, German philosopher/cultural critic Walter Benjamin began his ‘Arcades Project’ (Das Passagen-Werk). This became an eclectic collection of writings covering a variety of intellectual/cultural topics. The name came from the Parisian Arcades (‘passages couverts’) which were built in the early 19th century and were once emblematic of Paris’ status as the cultural capital of the world. They remain to this day – a couple of blocks from where I live and where I will host the first meetings of the group.
Basic rules of the group:
Some basic rules to ensure that this is a warm and welcoming environment for everyone:
- Knowledge and expertise are welcome - but making other people feel small is not. This is a group for people who like to learn from others but any amount of expertise will be sacrificed to keep the group inclusive and having a good time.
- If you're a guy, please be mindful of the gender balance of those speaking. If it is disproportionate, please think about how you might be able to invite those who have said less to share a thought or make a contribution.
About me:
I’m a 35 year-old lawyer who has been living in Paris for 3.5 years. I’m from Sydney (via Boston, Oxford and NYC). Philosophy background, Shakespeare nerd – my 2026 passions have included Stanley Cavell, Wagner, Sarah Kane and Pasolini.
Upcoming events
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