Who are we ?

The Fondation des Artistes has set for mission to assist artists at every key moment of their life… 

Created by the state and recognized of public utility in 1976 (by decree of December 6, 1976, amended by decree of December 19, 2018), the Fondation des Artistes is driven by a unique philanthropic, cultural and social vision and aims at assisting plastic artists all throughout their career, from graduation to retirement. 

The Fondation des Artistes owes its existence to two founding acts of generosity: Adèle de Rothschild’s bequest of her private mansion located 11 rue Berryer in Paris, and the bequest of the Smith’s sisters, Jeanne Smith and Madeleine Smith-Champion, of their estate of Nogent-sur-Marne. All three women being deep art lovers and collectors, they donated their estate to the state in support of artists. 

Adèle de Rothschild bequeathed the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild located rue Berryer in Paris in 1922. Today, it serves as the head office of the Fondation des Artistes. 

Its beautiful reception rooms are listed as French historic monuments and host prestigious events operated by a luxury event company.  

Jeanne Smith and Madeleine Smith-Champion bequeathed their estates in the heart of Nogent-sur-Marne in 1944. They include two leisure homes from the 17th and 18th century as well as a 10-hectares English garden. The site of Nogent-sur-Marne was labeled regional heritage in 2018. 

1976, creation of the Fondation 

Then director of the artistic creation office at the Ministry of Culture, Bernard Anthonioz merged these two bequests into one foundation in charge of administering them in accordance with the donors’ wishes. From then on, the foundation set for mission to assist artists at every key stage of their career, from the launch of their career at the end of art school to their search for a studio, projects funding, the international exposure of their artistic research and the exhibition of their work up to providing access to a nursing home. 

The Fondation des Artistes is also home to a unique patrimonial collection that reflects the history of the two families and their legacies. The masterpieces of this collection were acquired by various museums such as the Louvre Museum, the Cluny Museum and the BnF.

The foundation’s income comes from the rent of the bequeathed properties, as well as other donations and bequests. Its status as a private law entity allows the Fondation des Artistes to be very dynamic and flexible, and to carry on its cultural and social projects according to a unique economical model in a spirit of public utility put at the service of artistic creation.