Sandra Hegedüs receives the 27th Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award

Though rarely in the spotlight, patrons are nevertheless key actors of the art industry. The Montblanc Cultural Foundation has been giving them a platform since 1992. This year, the French edition of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award rewarded the work of Sandra Hegedüs (the prize is awarded in 17 countries and regions). A philanthropist and a collector, Sandra Hegedüs created SAM Art Projects 10 years ago, a non-profit structure that aims to highlight the talents of the French and international scene. Some key figures from the cultural and artistic scenes attended the ceremony at Palais de Tokyo this week: alongside actor Pierre Niney were Laurent Dumas (Emerige), Colette Barbier (Fondation d’entreprise Ricard), Charles Carmignac, Jean de Loisy (Palais de Tokyo), and artists Orlan and Mathieu Mercier. On this occasion, Montblanc presented a new limited-edition “Patron of Art” pen in homage to Ludwig II of Bavaria. As a nod to this tribute, Sandra Hegedüs chose to wear a typically Bavarian Dirndl. It gave the prestigious even a small touch of fantasy, and it was extended after the ceremony by a DJ set by Pablo Saavedra de Decker.