Arte is a Franco‑German public television network dedicated to culture, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Strasbourg.

Arte was born out of a political vision in the late 1980s, when French President François Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl championed the idea of a joint cultural channel to strengthen Franco‑German ties. The interstate treaty signed in 1990 laid the foundation for Arte, which officially launched on 30 May 1992. Its mission was unique: to create a European broadcaster that would foster cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and integration across borders.

Arte operates as a European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG), with its headquarters in Strasbourg and two main production entities: Arte France in Paris and Arte Deutschland in Baden‑Baden. Programming is split evenly between French and German teams, with additional contributions from European partners such as RTBF (Belgium), ORF (Austria), and SRG SSR (Switzerland). Arte broadcasts in French and German, with subtitles available in English, Spanish, Polish, and Italian, making its cultural documentaries, films, and news accessible to a wider European audience.

Today, Arte is recognized as one of Europe’s most influential cultural broadcasters. It reaches audiences in France, Germany, and beyond, offering high‑quality documentaries, films, concerts, and investigative journalism. Its programming often tackles historical, political, and artistic themes, positioning Arte as a trusted source for thoughtful, cross‑border storytelling. By blending Franco‑German cooperation with a broader European mission, Arte has become a symbol of cultural diplomacy and media innovation.