Launching Event for S.A.M.B.A.N. in Nice

It is in the prestigious setting of the eponymous Museum that the Society of Friends of the Museum of Fine Arts of Nice celebrated its official launch on Thursday, December 14, in the presence of around a hundred guests.They were welcomed by the director of the museum, Johanne Lindskog, who opened the formal part of the evening by presenting this jewel of Nice's heritage and giving the floor to Fabrice Roy, President of the S.A.M.B.A.N. and to Robert Roux, deputy mayor of Nice, delegate for culture.

A recital on the theme "From Donizetti to Fauré - from bel canto to impressionism" then preceded a remarkable cocktail dinner, which was the occasion for numerous and fruitful exchanges.In her introductory speech, Johanne Lindskog underlined the importance of joint work between the Nice Museum of Fine Arts and the Society of its Friends. She also outlined the prospects for quality scientific and cultural programming, notably with the current exhibition "Living for Art - the Trachel and Rothschild collections in Nice" and the future exhibition around Berthe Morisot, which will take place from from mid-2024.

The complete renovation of the Museum is also on the agenda, an ambitious project which will give it the context and the means for incomparable influence by showcasing its collections in a setting which will regain its former glory. origin with a necessary touch of modernity.
The floor is then given to Fabrice Roy, who spoke about the origin of the creation of the S.A.M.B.A.N. during a meeting with Joahnne Lindskog at the end of 2022. He then recalled the missions of the SA.M.B.A.N. Their sole purpose is to help with the restoration and enrichment of the collections, the beautification of the museum, and its influence on a national and international level. To do this, the establishment of a lasting network of members, patrons and donors is essential.Fabrice Roy then greeted the founding members, the first fifty members of the S.A.M.B.A.N. and the members of the office who agreed to work from the outset to ensure governance and good management. He cited the first treasurer Christine Raynier, who unfortunately had to resign for health reasons, the communications officer Annie Darmon, and the general secretary Yannick Pellegrin.

He recalled the actions of S.A.M.B.A.N. since its creation:
Donation to the museum of six works. Organization of a clarinet concert which brought together nearly 100 spectators by Michel Lethiec and his students. Michel Lethiec is the current president of the South Region Choir. Participation in the first European day of Museum Friends Societies with guided tour and a writing workshop led by Marie-Pierre Robert. Recruitment of a treasurer.

These actions will be amplified next year:Organization on April 19, 2024 of the first gala dinner of the S.A.M.B.A.N., at the Hotel Negresco in Nice, with a concert by the South Region Choir around Gabriel Fauré and an exceptional menu imagined by Virginie Basselot, Chef des cuisines, Michelin-starred and Meilleur Worker from France. The profits from this evening will naturally be entirely allocated to actions in favor of the museum. Organization of a trip to Impressionist Normandy from June 7 to 9, at cost price for members of the S.A.M.B.A.N. Organization of conferences, and in particular one of them devoted to the friendship between Berthe Morisot and Stéphane Mallarmé, on the occasion of the exhibition dedicated to the immense talent of this artist next year.