Key Benefits:
The Prime Minister,
On the report of the Minister of Culture and Communications,
In light of Decree No. 2002-898 of 15 May 2002 on the powers of the Minister of Culture and Communication,
Decrete:
The distinctions of patron and donor of the Ministry of Culture are established. They are intended to demonstrate the recognition of the State to natural or legal persons who, through their acts of patronage or the activities associated with it, both in France and abroad, have made an eminent contribution to the cultural development of our country.
These distinctions, which are conferred by decree of the Minister for Culture published in the Official Bulletin of this Ministry, each includes two levels depending on the importance of direct or indirect contributions made to the patronage of the patronage in favour of the enrichment of the cultural heritage or of the radiation of French culture:
At the first step is the title of "mincene of the Ministry of Culture", whose attribution is reserved for legal persons, or that of "donor of the Ministry of Culture", whose attribution is reserved for individuals.
The second step is the title of "Great patron of culture", whose attribution is reserved for legal persons, or that of "Great donor of the Ministry of Culture", whose attribution is reserved for individuals.
The whole group of patrons and donors is the " circle of patrons".
The distinction of "mecene" or "Great patron" is conferred for a period of five years. Recipients may rely on the condition that they indicate the year of issue after the title is mentioned.
The titles mentioned in Article 2 lead to the award of a medal that represents the seal of the Ire French Republic.
This medal is as follows:
In the centre, a woman standing represents the allegory of Liberty.
Legend: On behalf of the French Republic.
For patrons and donors, this medal is silver. For the Great Men and Great Donors, this medal is golden.
The suspension or deletion of this distinction may be pronounced for indignity by order of the Minister responsible for culture.
The proposal files for the award of these distinctions are constituted under the conditions defined by a decree of the Minister for Culture.
The Minister of Culture and Communication is responsible for the execution of this Order, which will be published in the Official Journal of the French Republic.
Done in Paris, September 7, 2005.
Dominique de Villepin
By the Prime Minister:
Minister of Culture
and communication,
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres
