ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Houseago and Mercier Selected for Reiffers Initiatives 2026 Mentorship

artist · 2026-06-11

The Reiffers Initiatives 2026 artist mentorship program has selected British sculptor Thomas Houseago (b. 1972) and French artist Théo Mercier (b. 1984). Over a six-month period, Houseago will mentor Mercier, leading to a solo exhibition for Mercier at Art Basel Paris in October. Established in 2021 by Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers, a French entrepreneur and collector, this initiative aims to assist up-and-coming contemporary artists by pairing them with seasoned professionals. Each year, the mentor chooses an artist from a shortlist provided by the artistic committee, culminating in a presentation at Art Basel Paris. Reiffers emphasized the program's goal of fostering emerging talent within the French contemporary art landscape.

Key facts

  • Thomas Houseago (b. 1972) and Théo Mercier (b. 1984) selected for Reiffers Initiatives 2026 mentorship.
  • Houseago will mentor Mercier in a six-month exchange.
  • The program culminates in a solo exhibition by Mercier during Art Basel Paris in October.
  • Reiffers Initiatives was founded in 2021 by Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers.
  • The initiative supports emerging contemporary artists through annual mentorship.
  • Mentors choose from a shortlist proposed by the artistic committee.
  • Each mentorship ends with a presentation at Art Basel Paris.
  • Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers is a French entrepreneur and collector.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Paris
  • France

Sources