Jean-Marc Bustamante to Launch Ambitious Contemporary Art Foundation in Arles

French artist and curator Jean-Marc Bustamante is set to open the Fondation Bustamante next summer in Arles, housed within a striking 12th-century church. The foundation will showcase Bustamante’s own works and archives, alongside a bold program of contemporary art exhibitions spanning three floors of the historic Sainte-Croix church, redesigned by architect Charles Zana.

Bustamante aims to make the foundation a cultural beacon in Arles, offering visibility and support to artists across generations as well as emerging curators, critics, and historians worldwide. Educational masterclasses and innovative programming are key parts of his vision.

To ensure independence, Bustamante is creating a “family council” to safeguard his legacy and oversee the foundation’s mission. The board will feature a diverse mix of art world leaders, from young artists to museum directors and academics, with appointments forthcoming.

Arles is rapidly cementing its status as a major European cultural hub, with institutions like LUMA Arles and Fondation Van Gogh also calling the city home. Bustamante sees his foundation as part of this vibrant ecosystem — a rare and vital platform outside of Venice for contemporary art in France.

While Bustamante’s career has been marked by high-profile roles—including representing France at the São Paulo and Venice Biennales and directing Paris’s prestigious École des Beaux-Arts—his tenure at ENSBA ended amid controversy and calls for reform. He now appears focused on building a legacy centered on demanding, forward-thinking art practice while addressing gaps in art history.

The Fondation Bustamante promises to be a new chapter in Bustamante’s long engagement with teaching, artmaking, and institutional innovation—one that may redefine cultural leadership in the region for years to come.

ART Walkway News