Fueling the Future of Contemporary Art Through Innovative Community

Fondation d’entreprise Pernod Ricard is a philanthropic organization in Paris that helps young and emerging artists establish themselves in the competitive art scene, supporting them with exhibitions, production, and research.

We talked to Antonia Scintilla, Director at Fondation d’entreprise Pernod Ricard, who shared more about their work.

What is the Fondation d’entreprise Pernod Ricard for those who don’t know?

We opened in 1998 and function as a contemporary art space in Paris that supports emerging artists in France. Here, they can meet and exchange ideas, as well as share creations and artwork with each other. On top of that, we offer lectures and debates around topics like poetry, performance, and contemporary art. We are open Monday to Saturday, and the entry is free of charge for the public. Fondation d’entreprise Pernod Ricard has a strong reputation for identifying new artistic talent. We are also committed to our audiences having access to the energy and ideas of an ever-expanding artist community.

How has the Fondation d’entreprise Pernod Ricard contributed to developing the emerging art scene in France?

The Foundation is an evolving space for experimentation. Our work promotes all forms of artistic creations made today, making them accessible to everyone. In 1999, we created the Fondation d’entreprise Ricard Award, one of France’s most prestigious awards and the first to recognize young artists on the contemporary French scene. Awarded by a jury composed of the winning artists, the curators of previous awards, and collectors, the award consists of purchasing a work of the winning artist, offered to the Musée national d’art moderne – Centre Pompidou. It also allows the winning artist to benefit from support for a personal project abroad.

Our work promotes all forms of artistic creations made today, making them accessible to everyone.

How would you describe the French art scene as of today?

For years, the art world saw France as a shadow of its former self. But that has completely changed over the past years. Today, it’s a vibrant scene with many prestigious galleries opening in Paris. We haven’t seen that in a long time. The city has become a top destination for art dealers, artists, and collectors.

EDEN TINTO COLLINS A Pinch of Kola: SAISON 2 Episode 3: La mise en Abyme, digital film, color, 23’43’’, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Ka Libre Ensemble.

POL TABURET Rain Appeal, 2023, 150 × 200 cm, acrylics, oil pastel and alcohol-based paint on canvas. Courtesy of the artist and Balice Hertling, Paris

What trends do you see in the contemporary art scene?

The pandemic gave a major boost to certain forms of new media art. Many artists are exploring both the artistic possibilities and the social repercussions of AI. Also, artists and art workers urge cultural organizations to confront their historical ties and current relationships to systemic injustices.

Many artists are exploring both the artistic possibilities and the social repercussions of AI.

Suppose you could give us a glimpse of the future of Fondation d’entreprise Pernod Ricard. What does it look like?

We have been very active with our work in France and aim to support the emerging contemporary art scene internationally. One way of doing that is to develop partnerships with other art institutions to create a stronger visibility. We have recently started collaborating with Chisenhale Gallery, a non-profit contemporary art space based in London’s East End. But we are also looking at other countries like China, the USA, and India to create a stronger network for artists working in the contemporary art scene.