The “Talents Contemporains” competition, which was launched in 2011, reflects current contemporary art and makes it possible to explore the European and international art scenes on the special theme of water. In this way, a very unique collection has been created that presents artists with degrees from recognized art academies as well as those with atypical self-taught careers.
Over the years, this has resulted in a highly original collection that reflects the diversity of artistic practices in the fields of drawing, painting, sculpture, video, photography and installation.
The award not only offers the artists real financial support. It also serves as a springboard for their careers by ensuring institutional recognition, providing various means of communication and supporting exchange with the public.
Every year, up to 1,000 artists from around 100 countries apply. After around 30 finalists are selected by four expert committees, the grand jury, chaired by Jean-Noël Jeanneney, chooses a maximum of seven prize winners.
The annual endowment amounts to 160,000 euros. The prize winners each receive 15,000 euros to purchase their work. A further 50,000 euros will be provided as production aid for the realization of the submitted works in the form of projects. The “Talents Contemporains” competition leads to the acquisition of the work, a group exhibition at the foundation’s art center, a bilingual edition and a video presenting the prizewinners’ work.
Application deadline: November 23, 2025