The Generali Foundation (Italian: Fondazione Generali) is a non‑profit institution dedicated to the promotion, documentation, and dissemination of contemporary art, particularly within the context of post‑1970 artistic practices. Established in 1988 by the Italian insurance group Assicurazioni Generali, the foundation is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and maintains additional offices in Milan, Italy.
Mission and Objectives
The foundation’s primary aim is to support the creation, research, and exhibition of contemporary art, with an emphasis on conceptual, experimental, and interdisciplinary approaches. Its activities are intended to foster dialogue between artists, scholars, and the public, and to contribute to the scholarly study of recent art movements.
Key Activities
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Exhibitions | Organises and curates solo and group shows, often featuring emerging and mid‑career artists from Europe and beyond. Notable exhibitions have included retrospectives of artists such as Mona Hatoum, Thomas Schütte, and Olafur Eliasson. |
| Publications | Produces catalogues, monographs, and critical essays that accompany its exhibitions and research projects. These publications are distributed internationally and serve as reference material for contemporary art scholarship. |
| Research and Archives | Maintains an archival collection of artists’ works, documentation, and related materials. The archives are accessible to researchers by appointment and support academic inquiries into post‑1970 art. |
| Educational Programs | Offers workshops, lectures, symposia, and artist talks intended to engage a broad audience, including students, curators, and the general public. |
| Grants and Awards | Provides financial support to artists and curatorial projects through grant programs and occasional award initiatives. |
Governance
The foundation is overseen by a board of trustees that includes representatives from Assicurazioni Generali, art professionals, and independent experts. Day‑to‑day operations are managed by an executive director and a curatorial team responsible for programming and research.
Funding
Funding primarily derives from the Generali Group’s corporate social responsibility budget, supplemented by private donations, sponsorships, and revenue from publications and events.
Facilities
The Vienna headquarters comprises exhibition spaces, a research library, and archival storage. The Milan office focuses on collaborations with Italian cultural institutions and supports projects within the Italian contemporary art scene.
Impact and Recognition
Since its inception, the Generali Foundation has been recognised for its contribution to the visibility of contemporary artists and for advancing scholarly discourse on recent art practices. The foundation’s exhibitions and publications are frequently cited in academic journals, and its programs have been referenced in international arts calendars such as Artforum and Frieze.
References
- Official website of the Generali Foundation.
- Exhibition catalogues published by the foundation (e.g., Mona Hatoum: The Fragility of the Body, 2002).
- Articles on the foundation’s activities in art periodicals such as Artforum, Frieze, and ArtReview.