Artists Development Programme – Institut BEI x neimënster x Cité internationale des arts

The EIB Institute was set up within the EIB Group (European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund) to promote and support social, artistic, cultural, and academic initiatives with European stakeholders and the public at large.

One of its flagship initiatives is the Artists Development Programme (ADP). The ADP offers European visual artists a residency mentored by an internationally renowned artist. It enables artists to develop their practice and work on the production of an artwork without any material constraints. Upon its completion, a series of events mark the end of the residency: an exhibition, the introduction of the artists to appropriate public fora, and, typically, the acquisition of the programme’s artworks by the EIB to enrich its contemporary art collection.

The Metis Fund – Arts and Development, launched in 2021, aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – environment, health, education, employment, peace, gender, food, etc. – by mobilizing the arts as a vector of transformation. It is hosted by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and supported by public and private financial partners. Its raison d’être is to reinforce and complement the necessary sector-based technical approach to development dynamics, through the power of the arts and emotions.

The initiatives financed by the Metis Fund lead to the creation of committed works of art inspired by concrete social realities. These initiatives are implemented with and for local populations, in developing territories.

The Metis Fund defends the fact that the arts enable human beings to connect with their sensitive side. They connect, liberate, heal, emancipate, educate, initiate debate, and shift our outlook and perceptions. They stimulate our willingness and ability to learn, and set us in motion.

The cultural heritage site of Neimenster Abbey, also known as neimënster, is a historic site in the city of Luxembourg with a rich history spanning four centuries.

Originally a benedictine abbey, it was later used as a military stronghold and prison, particularly during the Nazi occupation. Today, it is a cultural centre committed to restoring its spiritual vocation and promoting humanist values.
neimënster hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, conferences, artistic performances, festivals and exhibitions.

Many of these events are free of charge and the public areas of neimënster are open seven days a week. In addition, neimënster offers support and space for artistic experimentation through artist residencies, providing accommodation and workspace for resident artists, as well as the opportunity to publicly present works in progress.