Created in 2011 by the François Schneider Foundation, the Contemporary Talents competition was born out of a desire to support international artistic creation and to accompany visual artists at a pivotal moment in their careers. For each edition, this recognition takes the form of a merit-based prize grant and the official acquisition of each winner’s artwork, which then joins the Foundation’s collection.
Historically rooted since 2011 around the theme of Water at the Wattwiller Art Centre in Alsace, the Contemporary Talents competition is opening up to new horizons in 2026. With the rollout of a major cultural project at the Domaine de l’Abbaye de Pontigny in Burgundy, the Foundation is now exploring a second fundamental element: Earth. The sessions for these two competitions alternate throughout the year.
Two venues steeped in history, two universal themes, but one and the same ambition: to reveal the diversity of the contemporary art scene.
Apply to the competition – Water – Wattwiller
Apply to the competition – Earth – Abbaye de Pontigny