Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Fondation Folon with the IYMF
On 30 November, as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Fondation Folon, the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation (IYMF) joined the festivities in the beautiful setting of the Fondation Folon in La Hulpe
IYMF artist Quentin Dujardin performed a moving musical lecture together with actress Beyza Passero, surrounded by the poetic exhibition of Nicolas Magrin. This performance was presented three times, allowing more than 90 participants to enjoy this deep performace. Another IYMF artist, Raphy Raphael, also contributed to the event by leading two intergenerational singing workshops, which brought together more than 40 adults and children.
As part of the celebrations, a roundtable on “Art, Inclusion, Resistance” took place, gathering several cultural actors connected to Jean-Michel Folon:
- Pauline de Potter – l’Essentiel
- Jeremy De Backer – Eqla & Inclus’Seum
- Maryse Hendrix – Amnesty International (French-speaking Belgium)
- Stéphanie Angelroth – Fondation Folon
- Xavier Ide – Pêcheur de Lune
- Marianne Poncelet & Quentin Dujardin – International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation
Moderated by Philippe Hensmans, the discussion gave space for each participant to share insights from their work in defending human rights, promoting inclusion, and fostering forms of resistance through art. Important themes were explored, such as the role of the artist as a mediator, cultural accessibility, and the encounter between diverse artists and the public.
Representing the IYMF, Marianne Poncelet highlighted the work of contemporary artists outside traditional venues through the MUS-E and INSIDE programmes, and how their artistic creations serve as emotional, intellectual, and creative catalysts. Quentin Dujardin emphasized the importance of artistic resistance in an increasingly coercive society, illustrating this through his experience as an IYMF Ambassador, notably during artistic residencies with Roma children in Eastern Slovakia.
The day offered a rich and inspiring celebration of art’s power to connect, uplift, and advocate for a more inclusive and humane world.
