Young Artists Mission Session 2009

The Young Artists Mission (MJA), an event unique in Europe and the fruit of a vigorous selection process, organised by the Forum de l’Image, aims at accompanying young European creators through their first steps by organising formalised encounters with professionals from the world of contemporary art.

Even today, with the multiplicity of role players, exposition centres and the diversity of communication tools, young artists still have great difficulty establishing a relationship with art world professionals. This important step, which can be short-lived if room for dialogue free from materiel constraints is not found, is both delicate and indispensable. Walls between contemporary art professionals and young artists are often difficult to tear down.
A selection made on the approach to and quality of work For the past seven years, the Forum de l’Image has been creating - beyond the framework of its acclaimed festival - conditions favourable to exchanges between young artists and professionals from the world of contemporary art by a rigorous annual selection of work by twenty young creators working in photography, video and/or multimedia. Invitations to apply are broadcast through over 500 outlets within France and abroad. Art galleries, Schools of art, employment agencies and cultural institutions are all used to relay the invitations and to harvest the most eclectic group of candidates possible. The event is free of charge and so allows all to apply, the selection then only being made on their approach to their work and what they have produced. These alone form the basis for designating the winners. Once the selection has been made, the artists will then be given an agenda for seven to nine meetings over a three-day period with art and culture professionals (Arts Centre Directors, academicians, cultural project leaders, gallerists…). These people are chosen not only for their professional legitimacy but also for the diversity of their competences.
The aims of the Mission Jeunes Artistes (MJA) is to allow the artists an opportunity to have their work evaluated, to receive expert advice and to spark actions that will accompany their first steps (exhibitions, residencies, publishing…).
This year, the MJA will be held during one of the highlights of contemporary art life in France. It will be welcomed by the Festival du Printemps de Septembre to be held on the 25, 26, and 27th of September in the Musée des Abattoirs in Toulouse.