Le Bal

Mission & Vision

Founded by Raymond Depardon and Diane Dufour with the support of the City of Paris, Le Bal is an independent space dedicated to the contemporary image in all its forms, from photography and video to cinema and new media. As a platform for exhibitions, publishing, critical reflection, and education, Le Bal fosters a deeper understanding of visual culture and its role in society.

Since 2008, its educational center, Fabrique du Regard, has empowered young people to engage critically with images. Each year, the program works with 2,000 participants aged 6 to 25, equipping them with the tools to decode visual narratives and become active, discerning viewers.

Actions Led

Le Bal serves as a hub for artistic exploration and visual literacy, offering a wide range of initiatives that support both emerging talent and critical research:

• Fabrique du Regard provides innovative educational programs to help young people navigate today’s complex visual landscape.
• Artist Residencies & Grants support emerging photographers, filmmakers, and visual artists, offering them the time, space, and resources to develop their work.
• Research Programs bring together scholars and artists to explore the intersection of contemporary imagery and social issues.

Projects that U.S. Donors Can Support

Thanks to Friends of Fondation de France, US donors can support Fabrique du Regard as well as two other initiatives:

• Support of young talents through residencies grants/programs,
• Research programs combined with scholars and artists.

© LE BAL-Clémentine Baert

Learn more through our blog article published on May 24, 2022.