The Cuomo Foundation has organized in November 2008 in the Principality of Monaco, the first Painting Competition «Cuomo Foundation Monaco» for young artists. It was the African continent and more particularly the Senegal that was chosen for this first edition.

A jury composed of specialists of the African Art world had the mission to select 10 artists out of 60 that competited... Once selected, the artists were invited in the Principality of Monaco for 5 days and had the opportunity to expose their Art in the prestigious Hôtel de Paris... A special evening was organise, 3  "ex aequo" prices were given to the  6 winning artists and an auction was held.

170 people were invited to this unforgettable evening.

See the paintings here

A year later ...

The Cuomo Foundation continues to follow  the evolution of these 10 artists. Many of them exhibit at a National and International level and have a promising future. Some of them have opened their own painter's studio meanwhile others participate in different art competitions. To them, the intiative of the Cuomo Foundation has been a real push in their carreer and for some, has even been a real turning point in their lives. Here are some of their impressions:

1.  « ....Art is all I have and I will continue the give the maximum of myself in order to persevere in in my artistic creation. This Competition has given me an important artistic OVERTURE. The fact of beeing the only woman selected had a big impact on me together with the kindness of the organizing comitee and staff, and also by the sublime magnanimity of the dearly departed M. Cuomo to whom we owe this magnificent adventure...» (Aw Fatou Marie Françoise)

2. « …This competition has allowed me to enstrengthen my artistic personality in a more ambitious way. It has allowed me to live in my passion and my work as a painter. This allows me today to go deeper in my creation. I have the project to set up a festival that will focus on helping poor artists of Dakar that share the same passion...» (Cheikh Tidiane Keita)

3. «......This competition has allowed me to promote my artistic approach to the National and International level. It has been a real act of  solidarity, generosity and sharing. I  was particularily struck by the visit to the village of Saint Paul de Vence and the artist Fary. This made me focus my art towards more modesty and ambition...» (Coly Faye)

4. « …..A new vision of Art was offered to me when participating in this competition? It has given me more self-confidence and professionallism. I was struck by the involvement of the Cuomo Foundation… »  (Aziz Ndiaye)

An encouraging feedback when thinking about the next event...