A commitment to artistic education, core mission of the Ariane de Rothschild Foundation

The network of the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations has a long history of devoting particular attention to the promotion of arts and culture. Each generation has contributed in its own way to building a unique philanthropic structure, and certain initiatives continue to exemplify this commitment. One legendary example is the prints and drawings collection donated to the Louvre Museum by the Baron Edmond de Rothschild; another is the more recent bequest of exceptional objects to the Versailles Castle.

The Foundations' core mission concerns education; through the arts, it asks several essential questions: Are the arts and “culture” vital to the academic training of young people? How can one combine excellence with the civic duty to provide means of access for all? What bridges must be built between support for the arts and social impact? We develop models for action that provide original responses to these universal challenges.

Our role is to open doors and create connections between privileged and disadvantaged neighborhoods, between prestigious schools and community organizations, between renowned theatrical stages and amateur talent, between illustrious museums and budding artists. We make all these options possible. We turn up where we are least expected. We seek to strengthen our partners' potential to realize their ambitions by encouraging social impact and cultural interaction. We are convinced that the arts occupy their rightful place when they enable each individual to rediscover his or her voice.

The Ariane de Rothschild Prize lies at the heart of the mission of the Ariane de Rothschild Foundation, youngest member of the network, which develops targeted initiatives for artistic education. It introduces young, emerging artists to specialists, academic institutions and the general public. With the support of renowned curators, this prize identifies artists as yet undiscovered, whose intellectual and artistic work deserve to be highlighted. Across Europe, the Foundation singles out exceptional men and woman, organizes an exhibition in each designated country and awards a prize to the laureate, who receives a grant to attend a prestigious art school for the study of artistic theory and practice.

The founding principles of this truly original initiative reflect the Rothschild family values: excellence, daring, social responsibility and international stature. As ambassadors of this vision, these young artists fulfill both a social and a cultural role. The Ariane de Rothschild Prize opens the way to their future.

Fondations Edmond de Rothschild

20, rue Royale
75008 Paris
France
Tel +33(0) 142 564 646
www.ebdrf.com