Meeting in Montpellier with Vanessa Bruno for the openning of the MoCo

What made you decide to accept this mission as president of the MoCo?

Vanessa Bruno: I was approached by the director of the MoCo Nicolas Bourriaud and Philippe Saurel the mayor of Montpellier. I found the concept incredible, and unique for France. First of all, it brings together three entities, the École des Beaux Arts, the art center La Panacée, and the MoCo, which houses the collections. This is very innovative. Philippe Saurel wants Montpellier to be part of an international dynamic through creative partnerships, while involving students. It's a young city, and that means a lot to me. Finally, I am passionate about the art world. So this project is nothing but fun!

Is there a will to assert the influence of France in the field of contemporary art?

V.B.: Of course! This is the world of contemporary art, a certain idea of influence and a source of amazement through different universes, artists coming from other horizons, who each have a singular way of showing their art. I happen to love the mix of different creative expressions, this aspect is very important to me. You really feel the ambition of a city and of the whole Occitanie region and beyond. But if the project has a worldwide vocation, it takes into consideration the region because it is the vessel that carries it above all.

How do you see your role as president of the MoCo?

V.B.: I was chosen first of all because I have a fresh look at contemporary art; I am not part of the diktats of the milieu and the system. I am here as a creator, but also as a company manager. I know how to set up projects with all that this represents in terms of logistics and costs. On the creative side, I like the encounters that the project provokes between different artistic universes, whether it be photography, video, or visual artists, and why not fashion tomorrow. I had the chance to travel around the world and to see many exhibitions, to meet artists. I am expected to bring a different perspective on this mix of genres. I am also looking forward to the work of ambassador for the project, both in France and in the future internationally.

You mention fashion, could it be integrated into the MoCo?

V.B.: Yes, it is possible! Artists, like fashion people, feel the air of time. We are observers of our time. Fashion has more of a relationship with the general public, more accessible. I would like to explain that contemporary art can be too. People often make up their minds before they even take the plunge. I can testify that taking the step has nourished my work enormously, without preventing it from being accessible.

The ambition of MoCo is global... What is the target audience?

V.B.: The international, regional, French public... When Nicolas Bourriaud presented the project, he announced that his ambition was to present the MoCo as a platform equivalent to Los Angeles for cinema on a global level.

Some cities are already positioned on this niche of contemporary art at the international level...

V.B.: Yes, but none of them present the three axes at the same time. We talk about museums, like at the Venice Biennale, which by definition is only held once every two years, or Art Basel in Basel and Miami, which bring together exhibitors, but where can we benefit from the entire sector, from educational aspect to hosting major collections, all in the same place?

What will be the programming trend?

V.B.: Exhibitions at the MoCo last at least three months, with three exhibitions per year. The programming will be very international. The location is also very important: the MoCo, conceived as a real place to live, keeps its character as an old private mansion, but it is completely transformed to receive major works, some of which are monumental. Thanks to its large capacity and elevators to allow for installations. There will also be a garden recreated by Bertrand Lavier, a space to receive visitors, and another for exhibitions. The entire space will be poised for visitors to discover works of art. It remains to live it now!

Your involvement in a project in Montpellier is no accident. Tell us how you became anchored in the region...

V.B.__: I helped Nicolas Bourriaud discover the region... My mother is Danish, my father is from Nîmes of Italian origin. I spent many vacations in the Camargue. Nîmes, Arles and Montpellier have always been regular stops for me, throughout my life. I have seen these cities and their surroundings evolve. There is all this culture linked to horses and, whether you are for or against it, to bulls, and all these village festivals. It is a region that has remained somewhat untamed, attached to its culture, and marked by the character of its inhabitants. A place yet to discovered...

More information: [- Le Moco ] - Plan your trip to Montpellier - Plan your trip to Occitanie