13 Sept19 Dec 2004. As the leaves tumble Paris plays host to one of the most highly-rated contemporary art events in the year. Since its creation in 1972, the Festival dAutomne has been a crossroads for avant-garde and forward-looking artistic trends. The festival draws large audiences and has become a highlight of the Parisian cultural calendar.

The theme of the festival changes every year but always aims at achieving three main objectives: to present original works not previously seen in France; to present experimental work, with special attention on the emergence of new talent; and to provide access to non-western cultures, featuring major presentations from different countries and civilisations.

The 2004 programme notably commemorates the French philosopher Michel Foucault through a variety of exhibitions and workshops. A wide range of art, dance and photography exhibitions are on show all over town, including the famous photographer Nan Goldin at the Chapelle Saint-Louis de la Salptrire. Plays by Heiner Goebbels and Brian Ferneyhough as well as operas and concerts are being staged on various dates and at various venues throughout the city.