When Edouard Challemel du Rozier founded Bail Art in Paris in 2009, he understood the potential of linking art and business for a mutually beneficial relationship. With companies investing or expanding their art collections as an investment, but also as a benefit to their brand, bringing art to the workplace and creating a more vibrant environment was one aspect of the Bail assignment Art. The innovative company also works with private collectors to facilitate the sale and purchase of art, and it participates in art exhibitions and fairs, helping to promote emerging artists as well as more established names.

TLmag: What is the mission of Bail Art?

Edouard Challemel du Rozier: Since its creation in 2009, Bail Art has aimed to create bridges between art and businesses. Our aim is to bring art into the corporate world in a variety of ways, from funding (rental) to large-scale art projects, such as turnkey exhibitions, commissioned works of art, artist residencies or the building of an art collection.

TLmag: Does Bail Art focus exclusively on contemporary art or art from all eras? Who are its main clients?

ECdR: Bail Art finances a wide range of works, from pre-Columbian art to contemporary art. Our main clients are small and medium enterprises, large accounts and global companies.

TLmag: How does it work with corporate art collections? Do you work with the company overtime to build a long-term collection or is it more about consulting and advising to get them started?

ECdR: Both are possible. We provide access to financial solutions (leasing), but we also advise a business on how to start or expand an art collection. We work with international galleries, agents and artists to meet the wishes and needs of collectors. It always depends on the prospects of the company, whether it wants to invest in art or promote young artists. We can be involved in the project from A to Z, or just for one step. The purchase of a work, the setting up of an exhibition according to specific needs or the rental of works are all possibilities. We are here to connect art and professional life.

TLmag: In terms of partners, does Bail Art work with galleries and curators across Europe?

ECdR: Yes, absolutely. We work with all types of art professionals in Europe and around the world: art galleries, curators, auction houses, artists, agents, art fairs, etc.

TLmag: Is the company involved in art fairs and award support for young artists? (I think I read something about this in one of the Editorials – but if not, please ignore it).

ECdR: It is possible, yes. At art fairs, we offer ways to spread costs and save taxes when buying works of art: leasing. We may also participate in charitable art events which redistribute some or all of their profits to a cause. We also like to participate in the Young Artist Awards when we can. Last year, for example, I had the honor of being part of the jury of the Naturalist section of the Salon des Beaux-Arts, a prestigious French prize for young artists who focus their artistic research on Nature and animals.

TLmag: Where does your passion for contemporary art come from? Are you also a collector? (If so, who are the artists currently on your radar?)

ECdR: I would speak more of a general passion for art, than a specific passion for contemporary art. This passion finds its roots in a favorable family context, because my parents shared with us their taste for art and the history of art. They succeeded in educating and sharpening our outlook on the subject, and that gave me the interest to devote my professional life to it.

I don’t see myself as a collector per se, but my wife and I regularly buy works of art. I would love to buy a sculpture by Jaume Plensa, a painting by Craig Hanna or Marc Desgrandchamps, or one of the photographs by Gregory Crewdson.

TLmag: What are the exhibitions or collaborations that you were the most happy to see develop?

ECdR: There is none in particular. We are proud of all our achievements, as we participate effectively in the introduction of works of art in professional environments. The idea of ​​building bridges between the art world and businesses is at the heart of our mission.

TLmag: How do you see the role of Bail Art in the years to come?

ECdR: We intend to remain the leader in the art rental market in France, but also to strengthen our position as an organizer of projects bringing together art and businesses. Our motto is to give access to the art market to the business world. Thus, we offer new horizons for employers, employees and everything around them, as well as new possibilities for artists.

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