Its popularity enables the Yvon Lambert collection to be more than a museum; it is a driving force in the town’s economic development. Forging links between people is at the heart of its artistic, educational and social programmes. Private sponsors and public institutions chip in. “Collection Lambert is an arts centre of national interest. It aims to make contemporary art accessible to all and to be a hub of creativity where people can meet each other,” says Alicia Sauze, administrator of the collection. “It is open to everyone, with a range of targeted mediation projects. It is also open to cultural partners and businesses.”
The sponsors’ club is busy building links with local businesses. “Each company can find something to connect with among our activities, depending on its skills and business line.” For example, they can support essential projects like the ‘micro-school’ for fifteen 9- to 11-year-olds school dropouts. The idea is to awaken their taste for learning by fostering their artistic side. This is a collaborative exercise with the Education Authority.
Businesses that sponsor or initiate artistic projects find that supporting art builds social links. The Collection’s work is also supported by private donations from members of its ‘Association des Amis’.