Paris (AFP)

"When we have big words, we must have big gestures": Abd Al Malik, rapper, writer, director, participated in the exchange with Emmanuel Macron on the culture damaged by the pandemic, "a strong sign" pending of "concrete".

The President of the Republic made reference to the artist touches while citing in his television intervention the Neuhof, district of Strasbourg where Abd Al Malik spent part of his childhood.

Q: What did you think of this initiative?

Q: "That this videoconference interview was held was a strong sign for the world of culture. We were expecting such a sign. We have the feeling of being taken seriously. There were also representatives of Ministries of Culture, Economy, Labor, and it is good that this link between the three sectors has been made. It is a strong and important sign. "

Q: How did the exchange go, what did you say?

A: "Each one was able to speak one after the other. The President of the Republic responded to each of us. We felt a great listening, a desire to make things happen. The subjects discussed have were the concerns from the structural, organizational point of view and also the hopelessness expressed with regard to the question of intermittency.

It was also requested that things move at European level. We have a functioning ecosystem and we have to work to protect it. But we also have to think about how to reinvent this system. This point is close to my heart. For this, all voices must be heard. Not only those of decision-makers, but also those of people from lower-income neighborhoods, rural areas, those of the disadvantaged, women.

We must take advantage of this crisis so as not to widen the gap that exists between leaderships and those whose voices do not count enough, feel excluded. We have to think about a new way of creating. "

Q: How do you see the rest?

Q: "The President of the Republic said strong things. He said he was ready to hear" concrete utopias ", these are his words. He also spoke of education, a very important word for me: link with national education. He also spoke of French genius, which is based on common sense and creativity.

I have the feeling that we have been heard. Now it's going to be played out there: how is it going to translate on the ground? This exchange was positive, I expect a lot. When you have big words, you have to have big gestures, big actions. Time is running out, we must now have something concrete in the short and medium term. In this period of uncertainty, we await the continuation. "

(Interview by Philippe GRELARD)

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