Concours Talents Contemporains - La Terre @ Fondation François Schneider — Annonce du CIPAC

Overview

In parallel with renovation work at the Abbaye de Pontigny (2026–2028), the François Schneider Foundation launches the Talents Contemporains – La Terre – Abbaye de Pontigny competition. This inaugural edition seeks to acquire works and outdoor installations on the theme of Earth that will form an artistic pathway in the abbey gardens and become part of the foundation's permanent collection.

Eligibility

Open to professional artists and artist collectives in visual and plastic arts, all nationalities, 18+ years old. Candidates must demonstrate professional artistic activity, significant experience, and regular dissemination of their work (diploma from art school, solo/group exhibitions, artist residencies, publications, etc.). Artists from the Wattwiller collection who won in the Water theme are eligible to participate.

Artwork Requirements

• Ephemeral works not accepted
• Must be permanent and withstand outdoor conditions (sunlight, UV, weather, freeze-thaw, pests)
• Materials must be environmentally respectful in conception, installation, functioning, and removal
• Must not pose danger to visitors (sharp edges, structural instability, etc.)

Technical Constraints

Artwork will be displayed outdoors for the long term in landscaped areas of the domain. It must be durable, maintainable, and not harm the natural environment.

Submission Rules

Each candidate may submit only one artwork per year. An artwork submitted cannot be re-submitted the following year or later. Application must be in French or English.

Selection Process

A Comité d'Experts will select approximately 30 finalists. These will be submitted to an international Grand Jury to designate 4–5 laureates maximum.

Awards

• €15,000 for unique works (single example)
• €8,000 for numbered editions (sculptures or installations with multiple numbered examples)

Contact

Léa Rosenfeld: [email protected] | 03 89 82 10 10