This multidisciplinary symposium - which stands at the crossroads of art history, sociology of institutions and post-colonial studies - aims to question the movement of artists and artefacts between France and the territories under its Empire as a framework for discussion on the colonial relationship.

A field of study of art history that has yet to be explored in detail, artistic production within the colonial context should not only be examined from the point of view of the creations of metropolitan artists who have spent time overseas, but rather encompasses a larger scope of artefacts that illustrate forms of acculturation. The symposium aims to categorise networks organising the movement of persons, objects and concepts, by pinpointing developments throughout the colonial period, and identifying the various publics and private players in this system of arts.  

The symposium has not established any chronological boundaries, although the pivotal point of these movements is the inter-war period. It shall limit its focus to France and its colonies, while potentially opening up comparisons with other European colonial powers. The reference points shall be visual and decorative arts, ignoring musical productions, literature and architecture. The approach adopted shall be that of systems of production and movement, rather than monographic studies.