Frédéric Mitterrand presented this Wednesday, the distinctions of Grand Donator and Grand Patron of Culture to seven companies, foundations and personalities.
The personal patronage of Serge and Nicole Dassault, and that of the Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault intervenes in medical research, the social integration of youth, culture and heritage. They financed the restoration of the two churches and contributed to the construction of the mosque in Corbeil-Essonnes, and supported the 2011 edition of the Festival d'Histoire de l'Art at the Château de Fontainebleau. Their Group financed the rehabilitation of the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile.
Mr and Mrs Philippe Journo and their company, the Compagnie de Phalsbourg, allowed the restoration of the facades of the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts and the Hôtel du Grand Chimay in Paris, and their lighting. Sponsors of the Paris Opera, they participate with other companies and philanthropists in the project to create an endowment fund for cultural democratization, launched by Frédéric Mitterrand.
Ernst & Young France’s ambition is to support creation and offer all audiences the opportunity to discover heritage. In financial or competence sponsorship, the company works with major cultural institutions and its corporate foundation works in favour of manual, technical and craft trades.
The Hippocrene Foundation, established in 1992 by Jean and Mona Guyot, is recognized as being of public utility and has the main mission of strengthening cohesion among young Europeans. It supports many cultural projects – meetings, festivals, music, theatre, contemporary art.
The Mazars audit group’s patronage policy focuses on education and solidarity, debates of ideas, culture and heritage. He notably participated in the acquisition of two great masterpieces, Ingres and Poussin. Alongside UNESCO, he has funded grants for young heritage researchers and has joined the France-Turkey and France-Russia season partners' clubs.
A major player in recycling and environmental services, the Paprec Group supports the Paris Opera, of which it is the principal patron of the Ballet. In addition, Paprec sponsors an artist every year and is presenting a collection on the theme of recycling on its premises in La Courneuve.
Since 1965, the World Monuments Fund has been working to protect endangered monuments worldwide. Its work has already affected more than 90 countries. In France, WMF Europe is funding the rehabilitation of many historical monuments, including the restoration of the Orleans Chancellery’s decorations that will be relocated to Rohan’s hotel in 2014.
Paris, 18 November 2011