“Bernard Chevry has played a decisive role in shaping the cultural industries in Cannes and France. Through the creation of MIDEM, MIPTV and MIPCOM, he has helped to position our city as a major international centre for the music and audiovisual industries. In this way, Bernard Chevry contributed to Cannes’ economic development and international reputation. Through this tribute, the Town Hall expresses its gratitude to a visionary man, deeply attached to Cannes, whose actions continue to inspire the events hosted today at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. “
David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes
A daring entrepreneur, Bernard Chevry (1922-2019) had a profound impact on the economic and cultural history of Cannes. From the 1960s onwards, he designed and developed major events in the city for the music and audiovisual industries. These included the creation of MIPTV (Marché International des Programmes de Télévision) in 1963, MIDEM in 1967, and MIPCOM (Marché International des Programmes de Communication) in 1985. These were the first major international gatherings dedicated to music and television production and publishing.
Bernard Chevry has succeeded in establishing these events over the long term, thereby contributing to the success of Cannes as a destination. Other events dedicated to short formats, such as Canneseries, have since been created. This drive to structure the cultural and creative industries is now taking shape through the “Cannes On Air” strategy[1], which is supported by the municipality.
Bernard Chevry was also awarded the Medal of Honour by the City of Cannes in 2013, in recognition of his commitment to promoting the city’s appeal and influence.
With this naming, the municipality is permanently inscribing the memory of Bernard Chevry at the heart of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, an emblematic venue for the events that he helped to develop and prosper.
[1] The aim is to provide the Cannes area with all the links in the audiovisual content design chain.
