In order to recognise the role of the artists in contemporary society, Fondation Daniel & Nina Carasso has launched the Prix Artiste Citoyen Engagé. The winners of the first edition have been chosen by a voluntary jury from among artists nominated by a Franco-Spanish nomination committee, including creators from all the artistic disciplines carrying out their actions both in Spain and France and also at an international level. This year, the jury decided to recognise a total of five artists: two from France—Neïl Beloufa and Patrick Bouchain—and three Spaniards—Cristina Pato, Santiago Cirugeda and Julio Jara.
This award recognises top-level artistic practices carried out by artists within the framework of collective and social projects. All of these singular actions constitute sources of inspiration with a capacity for expansion and replication, as explained by Anastassia Makridou-Bretonneau, Head of the Art & Citizenship area of the foundation: “This award not only recognises aesthetic values, as in the case of most artistic prizes. The prizes awarded by the foundation do not seek to discover talent, but rather to highlight outstanding artistic commitments.”
In a context characterised by social inequality, climate emergency and health crises, the foundation is, through the creation of this award, reaffirming art’s role as a driving force in society and for the awakening of sensibility. Many of these initiatives have arisen due to the efforts of artists who have expanded their activities to areas such as social and economic development, education, the environment and solidarity.
“We wanted to avoid suggesting that there is only one way of being socially engaged, only one type of committed artist,” explained Carlos Almela, Head of the Art & Citizenship area in Spain. “With our award we are aiming more to generate a ‘snapshot’ of the different efforts being made. This first edition faithfully reflects these intentions, with a very diverse selection of artistic endeavours and commitments.”
To understand better the social challenges that face these artists, the foundation has interviewed the awardees to know more about their work, their concept of “engaged art,” and the expectations of receiving this prize. Their testimonials are reflected in a series of videos, along with the jury members, for a deeper insight on the Prix Artiste Citoyen Engagé and are available on the foundation’s YouTube channel.
The winners
Neïl Beloufa (Paris, 1965): An artistic workshop open to youths at risk of social exclusion
Patrick Bouchain (Paris, 1945): Architecture as a relationship, “Permis de faire”
Santiago Cirugeda (Seville, 1971): Urban Recipes
Julio Jara (Paris, 1962): For and with the homeless
Cristina Pato (Ourense, 1980):Connecting cultures and disciplines through music
The Fondation Daniel et Nina Carasso is a family foundation established in 2010 placed under the aegis of the Fondation de France.
The foundation is active in two focus areas: sustainable food, for universal access to healthy food that is safe for people and ecosystems; and art and citizenship, to develop critical thinking and reinforce social bonds.
