The Cartier Foundation was founded in 1984 by Alain Dominique Perrin, the president of Cartier International, as per a suggestions by the sculptor César, with the aim to the support and development of contemporary art. Conceived as active spaces that contribute to debates and exchanges of ideas on art, the Foundation promotes the approach between creators, and supporting their work through exhibitions and the commissions of works and publications. Under the direction of the curator Hervé Chandés, the Foundation functions successfully and has programmed five large exhibitions each year, alternating between thematic shows and individual exhibitions. From its inauguration it had exhibited works by recognized artists like Gerard Garouste (France), Shirley Jaffe (United States), Guillermo Kuitca (Argentina), Adriana Verajao (Brazil) y Takashi Murakami (Japan). The Foundation also promotes other manifestations such as theatre, dance, music and literature. Each year works of art are acquired for the collection that currently amount to some 1000 works by 300 artists. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, the Foundation has edited an extensive catalogue that gathers together texts by the President of Cartier, commentaries by the three curators for the Foundation during these 20 years, and an extensive compilation of images with works from the collection, exhibitions and events. To find out more about the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art, visit www.fondation.cartier.fr