Emma Lavigne Appointed First Female Director of Palais de Tokyo

Emma Lavigne has made history as the inaugural female director of the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, taking over from Jean de Loisy, who departed in January 2019. Her selection responds to ongoing critiques regarding the predominance of white middle-aged men in France's art institutions. Lavigne brings a wealth of experience, having served as a curator at the Centre Pompidou from 2008 to 2014 and later as the director of the Centre Pompidou-Metz. She has organized notable exhibitions, such as a 2013 retrospective of Pierre Huyghe and a 2015 installation for the French Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Established in 2002, the Palais de Tokyo emphasizes emerging and midcareer artists. Lavigne’s primary responsibilities will include fundraising and fostering partnerships. She was chosen from candidates including Simon Castets, Dorothée Dupuis, and Gaël Charbau.