Since 1987, the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation has been committed to supporting
talents in search of excellence - both in the scientific field,
artistic creation and social action. The Foundation
only initiated new learning programs through a
multidisciplinary training in the interdisciplinary doctoral school
Living Frontiers, but it also awarded three
Momentum Award for Laboratory Research Quality
French, by awarding 14 prizes to young researchers in
to allow them to complete their post-doctoral and
facilitate their reception in specialized foreign laboratories.
A third of the Foundation’s donations are now dedicated to action
associations to accompany children to better
understanding the world through sport, for example, helping children
the fight against school failure and exclusion. Its support for singing
with Oma Bello and to dance with this wonderful artist that is
Julien Lestel, and the Liliane Bettencourt award for choral singing testify
the generous ambition of this Foundation.
And then there is of course the Liliane Bettencourt Award for Intelligence of the
hand, which is particularly dear to me, since it concerns the Métiers d'art
which I am very attached to. It will reward for the 12th year
exceptional talents, highlighting both the
the future of French craftsmanship, which has its place in a
vision of our cultural heritage. This award also ensures
to ensure that award-winning craftsmen listen attentively and exchange
long term. It is always a pleasure to be here to celebrate the
exceptional know-how and beauty together.
This year, Henri Loyrette, President of the Louvre, will announce
the winners selected from some 400 applications received for
Exceptional Talent and Dialogue awards.
It is more urgent than ever to enhance, to take back the
beautiful expression of the sociologist Richard Sennett, «what the hand knows»,
she who is the repository of knowledge for slow transmission, so valuable in
our cultural heritage. This is the commitment of my department
for the crafts.
Two years ago, I was with you, still inspired by the reading of the report
on crafts written by Catherine Dumas, who is among
that I am delighted to welcome, and whose recommendations
were so relevant. Many of its recommendations were adopted
and applied since then. The creation of the Institute of Crafts in June
2010 has enabled the line ministries to better coordinate and
increase the visibility of professionals. In one year
only, the Institut des Métiers d'art, the INMA, has already done some work
The INMA was thus able to develop the National Days of
crafts 2011 with efficiency, and the 2012 edition promises very beautiful
exhibitions, all over France and Europe. The Master of Art device
that I have the honor to preside will be managed by him from 1 January
2012.
The outstanding crafts and know-how of its professionals
are the object of all attention today. The groups of
have well understood the aura of these trades and the prestige they
represent. That is why we must support them in the best way,
giving them the visibility they need so that they
find their place in the creative landscape of our 21st century.
Dear Madam, dear Liliane Bettencourt, I would like to thank you for
the visionary commitment you have made in this field since these 12
past years.