Cultural and Creative Industries in France Grow by 21% in Five Years, Set to Surpass €100 Billion in 2024

France's cultural and creative industries (ICC) have experienced significant economic growth, with their value added rising by 21% over five years, increasing from €35.7 billion in 2019 to €43.1 billion in 2024. According to a study conducted by EY and coordinated by the association We are Creative, the ICC is expected to exceed €100 billion in turnover in 2024, making it the third-largest sector in the country behind the restaurant and food industries.

The study analyzes ten sectors within the ICC, highlighting disparities in performance. The visual arts sector, comprising photography, design, museums, and heritage, stands as the largest with a turnover of €22.3 billion in 2024. Following this are the audiovisual sector at €17.2 billion and the creative segment of advertising at €15.6 billion.

While advertising has seen a near 20% increase in its value added between 2019 and 2024, boosted by upcoming events such as the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games with projected revenue growth of 7.7% in 2024 compared to 2023, some traditional sectors are struggling. The press has encountered a 12% decline in value added due to challenges in monetizing digital audiences, which now constitute 70% of readership. Advertising revenues captured by the press have dropped drastically from 46% in 2005 to just 10% in 2024. Radio revenue remains stable at €1.5 billion in 2025; however, its value added is decreasing, attributed to funding difficulties and a 6% decline in listening times from 2016 to 2021.

The audiovisual sector displays mixed results, with a 10% rise in direct value added largely driven by video and video-on-demand, experiencing a 130% increase. However, traditional broadcasters face stagnation amid growing competition from digital platforms.

In light of these developments and the pressing digital and ecological transitions facing the sector, France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati has proposed establishing a dedicated entity to coordinate ICC professionals with the state. This initiative aims to foster collaborative action to sustain the sector's growth and adapt to emerging challenges.