The François Schneider Foundation, recognised of public interest , has launched the 2nd edition of “Contemporary Talents”, they each year invite us to discover and acquire seven works of art by seven artists implicated in the various disciplines of visual arts. Through the Foundation, François Schneider also supports contemporary creation through the acquisition of works of art from artist whose talent is still not completely recognized and which focus particularly on the theme of water. This will be a recurring theme in all the events initiated by the Foundation. Whether in the art centre which is to open in spring 2013 or “Contemporary Talents”, our approach is entirely focused on water, in all its forms.
A philanthropic tradition
Artistic creation flourishes when it has the support of patrons, without their intervention in one form or another, rare would be the work of art that survived centuries.: “With the means I have, I wish to continue this philanthropic tradition by carrying out a project which is in keeping with my era explains the founder.
This sponsor must also favour access to contemporary art and, in particular, introduce young people to the diversity of artistic languages and ways of looking at the world through a single theme, water. Through its theme and its contribution, this private initiative is one of a kind. Indeed, the contribution it makes is one of the largest in Europe (300,000 €) allows every year a vast acquisition programme.
“Contemporary Talents” therefore invites artists to submit their proposals from June 15 to December 15, 2012. The terms and conditions for participating are available on the foundation’s website: http://www.fondationfrancoisschneider.org
Creation and Innovation
The ambition of the François Schneider Foundation is to discover, support and reveal new talents to the public.
“We will devote our energy and our resources enabling new talents to make a name for themselves” underlines François Schneider. “Contemporary Talents”, with an annual budget of 300,000 € – shared in two parts: 150,000 € for the acquisition of seven works and another 150,000 € for the realisation of works presented in project form – will reward the seven artists’ projects, including the “Water Talent” award.
All the proposals will be examined by several committees of experts – four pre-selection committees (each comprising two professionals qualified in their field: photo, video, painting/drawing, sculpture/ installation) – who will examine the work of the 40 finalists.
The choice of finalists will be submitted to an International Grand Jury comprised of well-known personalities from the world of art who will select the seven winners.
The Foundation wishes to significantly support contemporary artistic creation. The works selected by the Grand Jury will be shown in 2014 in the Foundation’s art centre in Wattwiller, and will be collected in a bilingual publication presenting the works of the winners and finalists.
François Schneider Foundation
27 rue de la Première Armée
68700 Wattwiller
