Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo on Collecting, Foundations, and Art's Social Role

Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo began collecting contemporary art in the early 1990s after studying economics, with a pivotal 1992 London trip introducing her to artists' studios through Lisson Gallery founder Nicholas Logsdail. She founded the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo in 1995, opening its Turin premises in 2002. The foundation operates as a kunsthalle focused on commissioning and producing new work rather than displaying her collection, which she describes as not being "a collection of names" but about selecting "the right work" that provides content and feeling. She emphasizes knowing artists personally, supporting production, and educational outreach through mediators. Sandretto Re Rebaudengo serves on international councils for MoMA and Tate while supporting young artists globally. She argues that cultural institutions like hers contribute economically, noting 350,000 people work in the cultural sector in her region, and defends private foundations as complementary to public museums. The collector reflects on changes since starting, when the art world was less global and glamorous, and expresses hope that her foundation and collection will endure to represent their historical moment.