The Institut français is the public establishment in charge of France's cultural action abroad, under the supervision of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture. As a key stakeholder in cultural policy outside France, the Institut français is entrusted with a public service mission and financed by state subsidy.

The Institut français, under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, conducts two fundamental missions:

To promote French culture and language, the Institut français works to promote the internationalisation of French creators, and cultural and creative industries. It supports stakeholders with a commitment to the French language and multilingualism abroad, including teachers, intellectuals, artists, institutions, business leaders, start-up creators and representatives of civil society. The Institut français also aids local authorities with their international cultural policies, which helps to increase the attractiveness of France.

To strive for cultural diversity, the Institut français contributes to the international mobility of talents and encourages cultural encounters between France and other countries. This mission is made possible through the dialogues established with creators, stakeholders in cultural life and civil societies around the world. The co-construction of projects and partnerships is encouraged at every level, promoting intercultural exchanges. The Institut français helps to host foreign cultures in France.

To this end, it works closely with the French cultural network abroad, whose activities aim to expand. Experts in all fields of culture, specialists in project engineering and international cultural cooperation combine their talents in the service of France's foreign cultural policy.