France unveils ambitious plan to boost contemporary art scene
On October 24, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati unveiled a new action plan inspired by Martin Bethenod's report from July 2025. This report advocated for improved collaboration among significant players in the visual arts sector, such as the National Center for Plastic Arts, Palais de Tokyo, and Centre Pompidou. The initiative seeks to enhance the visibility of contemporary artists in France. Key goals include ensuring that at least 50% of acquisitions at Centre Pompidou are dedicated to French artists, boosting artist promotion through major events and residency initiatives, and increasing funding for galleries and affordable artistic venues. Dati highlighted the importance of heightened visibility. Conversely, Italy's 2025 Budget Law will reduce cultural funding by €147 million, impacting institutions like Triennale Milano.
Key facts
- French Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced a new action plan for contemporary art on October 24.
- The plan follows recommendations from Martin Bethenod's report submitted in July 2025.
- Bethenod is former director of Centre Pompidou and Pinault Collection.
- Centre Pompidou must reserve at least 50% of acquisitions for artists from the 'French scene'.
- The plan aims to strengthen cooperation between key ministry operators, National Center for Plastic Arts, Centre Pompidou, and Palais de Tokyo.
- Objectives include promoting artists through events at Palais de Tokyo and residency programs with international curators.
- Support for galleries includes tax deductions for corporate art purchases and affordable spaces.
- Italy's 2025 Budget Law cuts cultural funding by €147 million in 2025, affecting Triennale Milano, Quadriennale di Roma, and Fondazione Biennale di Venezia.
Entities
Institutions
- Ministry of Culture (France)
- Centre Pompidou
- Palais de Tokyo
- National Center for Plastic Arts
- Pinault Collection
- Triennale Milano
- Quadriennale di Roma
- Fondazione Biennale di Venezia
Locations
- France
- Paris
- Italy
- Rome
- Milan
- Venice