Understanding Corporate Philanthropy and Contemporary Art at Fondation Groupe EDF

 

 

Our Year 2 Bachelor in Arts Management students recently visited the Fondation Groupe EDF in Paris with their professor, Christophe Billard. The visit was designed to deepen their understanding of corporate philanthropy, scenography, curatorial practice, and cultural mediation as part of their professional training in the contemporary art field. Laurence Bobant-Guillot and her dedicated mediation team warmly welcomed the group and offered guided insights into the current exhibition’s content and design. Their explanations enriched the students’ grasp of how cultural mediation facilitates meaningful visitor experiences.

Fondation Groupe EDF

 

Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Fondation Groupe EDF is the corporate foundation of the French electric utility company EDF. Established in 1987, the foundation supports public-interest initiatives in areas such as culture, education, inclusion, and environmental awareness. Its art space, housed in a historic former electrical substation, regularly hosts exhibitions that explore the relationship between art, science, society, and innovation.

 

The Fondation is committed to making contemporary art accessible to a broad public, with a strong emphasis on mediation and educational outreach. This mission aligns closely with the themes discussed during the visit.

“Ce que l’horizon promet”: A Multifaceted Exhibition

 

The visit centered on the current exhibition, Ce que l’horizon promet (What the Horizon Promises), curated by Nathalie Bazoche and Samantha Barroero, with sociologist Gérald Bronner. Running from March 12 to September 28, 2025, the exhibition features 27 contemporary artists and analyses the complex relationship with the future; balancing belief and rationality, uncertainty and control.

 

Through a diverse range of artworks, the exhibition prompts visitors to consider how we project ourselves into an inherently uncertain future. It explores the tools, beliefs, and disciplines we employ to anticipate what lies ahead: from consulting horoscopes and trusting predictive algorithms to evaluating career changes and dietary choices. These behaviors underscore our perpetual desire to reduce uncertainty and better manage what awaits us.The exhibition's scenography invites visitors to navigate a landscape of artistic interpretations, each shedding light on our collective hopes and fears about the unknown. The horizon, depicted as an ever-shifting line, symbolizes both the elusive nature of the future and the promise it holds.

Meeting Artist Christine Rebet

 

A highlight of the visit was a special encounter with artist Christine Rebet, one of the featured exhibitors. Students engaged with Rebet about her career and creative process, focusing in

 

particular on her compelling work Black Cabinet, on display as part of the show. The dialogue provided valuable insight into how contemporary artists navigate international careers while engaging with historical, psychological, and political themes. In addition to Christine Rebet’s work, students encountered pieces by acclaimed artists such as Philippe Ramette and Evariste Richer, among others.

 

These works served as starting points for discussions on artistic intention, viewer interpretation, and the way institutions like Fondation EDF support the dissemination of contemporary art through thoughtful, inclusive programming.