National Plastic Arts Centre

The CNAP contributes to the vitality of the French artistic scene in the field of visual arts. It manages the national contemporary heritage, ensures its public presentation, and encourages and supports creation in its various forms of expression (painting, performance, sculpture, photography, installations, video, multimedia, graphic arts, crafts, design, graphic design). 

«Public collector» heir to the policy of support for living artists established by the State since 1791, the Cnap actively participates in the artistic economy. It enriches and enhances the contemporary collection of the French State - the Fonds national d'art contemporain - through acquisitions and commissions of works. He is responsible for inventory, conservation and restoration, and organizes the dissemination of works in France and abroad. Finally, curators and managers of the various collection sectors conduct a scientific research program on works, with higher education in particular.

Support for contemporary art

The CNAP provides financial support to the creation by accompanying artists engaged in experimental approaches and professionals of contemporary art. The promotion of supported projects takes the form of editions, conferences, signatures or exhibitions carried out in partnership.

A collection attentive to all forms of creation

Unique in its scope, the National Fund for Contemporary Art now houses nearly 100,000 works acquired over more than 220 years. Attentive to its time and creative trends, the CNAP enriches the fund with annual acquisitions and orders that, including risk-taking, forge its identity. The collection reflects the diversity of practices, all mediums and nationalities combined.

The CNAP, partner of institutions and professionals

The Fonds national d'art contemporain is a collection without walls whose works, acquired or commissioned, are disseminated through loans and deposits: their exhibition in public or private cultural institutions, in France and abroad, and in public administrations (embassies, ministries), contributes to the dissemination of contemporary art.

This singularity makes the CNAP a cultural partner of choice and the institutional relay of museums, regional contemporary art funds, art centres, schools, and private institutions such as foundations. Collaborations allow ambitious and innovative projects to be carried out and current creation to be shown to the public all over the world.

Source: Cnap website, cnap.fr