Actions in favour of medern and
contemporary art

Modern art: enriching public collections and developings skills
The regional museums work with The Fonds Régional d’Acquisition pour les Musées (FRAM) to build up public holdings, on the initiative of the Rhône-Alpes curators’ group.
The regional union for the development of lithography in Villeurbanne pursues an active artistic policy focusing on the creation of original lithographs, while its commercial service sells prints and provides training courses.

Contemporary art: communicating
contemporary aesthetics
The Nouveau Musée in Villeurbanne and Le Magasin in Grenoble, the region’s two flagship institutions, are both supported by the council in their work of exhibiting and developing awareness of art. Support is also given to smaller exhibition spaces, particularly in rural areas.
These are essential to the diffusion of contemporary art.
This network is enriched by the Lyon Biennale, which is an event of international stature.
The council also provides selective backing to over 50 artistic events in the Rhône-Alpes region.
The Fonds Régional d’Art Contemporain is an instrument for the decentralization of contemporary art. By its acquisitions policy it helps enrich the promotion of contemporary art in the area. Its contribution takes the form of loans for “ready-curated” exhibitions and educational actions.

The visual arts: supporting artists
The regional council also supports artists’ workshops, such as Moly Sabata and Art III in Valence. In addition the Maison des arts plastiques de Rhône-Alpes runs an information and advisory service for artists and publishes the annual visual arts directory for the region.
This policy is given further resonance through work in schools.
The process of familiarization with contemporary art is punctuated by the biennial event, Carambolage. The 1997 edition will be held in Catalonia and is curated by Le Magasin in Grenoble.
The region’s 5 art schools constitute a nursery for promising talent and work in close co-operation with the art centres to maximize career opportunities.
Likewise, the FRAC also buys works from art school graduates.

The role of the regional council has two main objectves: to ensure cohesion and co-operation between the various local establishments, and to help provide professional opportunities for students.
As regards familiarization, there are a number of regional events designed to further awareness of the visual arts.
The graphic arts month at Echirolles is one of the internationally renowned events supported at a regional level.

In all, the global budget devoted to modern and contemporary art by the Regional Council represents more that 11 million francs.