Conference: «Resisting xenophobia. City sanctuaries and hospitality practices».»

From 27 to 29 May 2026 | Marseille

In a context marked by the rise of state-sponsored xenophobia and racism, and by the spread of ideas, parties and coalitions promoting anti-migration agendas, acts and practices of hospitality and solidarity are increasingly being attacked and criminalised, and are becoming forms of resistance.

In Marseille, a port city and historic Mediterranean crossroads, a segregated city marked by major inequalities, we are organising 3 days of meetings, exchanges and collective construction around hospitality practices and sanctuary cities, in France and internationally.

On the programme:

• Meetings with groups and stories of Marseille in resistance, a fresco of hospitality, presentation of Christine Jacobsen's book on waiting for migrants in Marseille.
• International scientific perspectives on sanctuary cities (United States, United Kingdom, Mediterranean basin, France), debates on the prospects for networks of welcoming cities and territories, exchanges on the latest developments in sanctuary movements in the United States.
• Round tables on hospitality, care and health; on the legal and judicial struggle for hospitality; on urban hospitality, governance and the making of the city. Final Agora for a common direction.

These days will provide an opportunity to celebrate sanctuary movements (in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and France), to highlight local initiatives for hospitality and solidarity, to think about hospitality as a form of political resistance and to forge a local coalition for hospitable and supportive cities.

Sign up for the days

The 3 days of meetings will take place in Marseilles, in various places where questions of past, present or future (in)hospitality will be discussed, including :

• The IMVT, the Institut Méditerranéen de la Ville et des Territoires, a study centre for future landscape, urban and/or architectural planning, located on the Porte d'Aix.
• The Maison des Associations, made available by the Town Hall to associations, a place for support and meetings.
• Different places where solidarity initiatives and stories about the city take place.

A contribution is required for Wednesday and Friday meals (see registration form).

And around the event:

In conjunction with these days, a number of events will be held in Marseille focusing on issues of hospitality:

• Thursday 21 May: an evening at the Combinerie on sanctuary and welcoming towns from Marseille onwards
• Thursday 18 June: an evening conference organised by Coude à coude
• End of May: an exhibition - the history of migration from antiquity to the present day - organised by Cimade at the Maison des Associations.

Make a donation

What will your donations be used for?

Only the science day will receive university funding, which is why we are asking you to help us make the other two days a reality.

Your contribution will enable us to finance the organisation of these meetings, including the costs of speakers, communication, equipment and meals.

Your donations are tax-deductible!

The Hospitalité Network is recognised as being in the public interest. Your donations therefore entitle you to an income tax reduction equal to 66% of the amount paid up to a limit of 20% of taxable income. For example, a donation of €50 entitles you to a tax reduction of €33, a donation of €100 to a reduction of €66, etc.

Thank you so much for your support!

The organising committee :

The Hospitality Network,

Marseille HospitalitéS,

researchers from Aix-Marseille University (TELEMMe),

ENSAM teachers and researchers,

the MIMED thematic network.

Contributors and supporters:

Aix-Marseille University (TELEMMe, MESOPOLHIS),

the Maison Méditerranéenne des Sciences Humaines (MMSH),

the Mimed network (Migration in the Mediterranean),

IMVT (Institut Méditérranéen de la Ville et des Territoires),

la Combinerie/la Ruche,

and soon you...