Societe Generale announces two year partnership with the V&A

Societe Generale has supported the V&A for more than a decade as a Corporate Member, providing vital financial assistance to improve and enhance the Museum’s activities. This latest collaboration will significantly strengthen the relationship between these two leading organisations in helping the V&A to continue to deliver its world-class exhibitions programme. It also reflects Societe Generale’s objective to build on the Group’s profile in the UK, and follows its sponsorship as Worldwide Partner and only financial sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2015 commencing in England and Wales in September this year.

The V&A’s major spring 2016 exhibition Botticelli Reimagined (5 March – 3 July 2016), will be the first show to benefit from the support of Societe Generale. The exhibition will explore both Botticelli's own work and the galaxy of ways that Botticelli’s art has been interpreted through the centuries. There will be works on display from a wide roster of celebrated names, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Morris, René Magritte, Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman.

One of the founding aims of the V&A was to provide inspiration to artists and designers.
The support of companies like Societe Generale is vital to ensure this mission is upheld for future generations, during a period of incredible transformation at the museum and at a time of decreasing government support.

Martin Roth, Director, V&A, says: “More than ever before, the V&A depends on corporate backing in order to continue delivering its high quality, world-renowned exhibitions programme. The longer-term support from Societe Generale over two years is indicative of their significant commitment to the arts and we are so pleased to be extending our valued relationship with them to encompass two headline exhibitions.”

Ian Fisher, UK Country Head, Societe Generale, says: “This latest partnership is a natural evolution of our long-standing relationship with the V&A and with the arts more generally, and comes at a time when we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Societe Generale’s contemporary art collection. Alongside classical music, contemporary art is at the heart of our cultural patronage policy as a Group, which aims to promote creativity and innovation as well as promoting a commitment to open-mindedness and outreach in society. We look forward to working with the V&A as the lead sponsor for these exciting major forthcoming exhibitions during 2016 and 2017.”

For further press information, please contact:
Murray Parker
Head of UK Media Relations
Tel: 0207 676 6771
Murray.Parker@sgcib.com

For PRESS information on Botticelli Reimagined at the V&A, please contact the V&A Press Office on 020 7942 2502 / press.office@vam.ac.uk