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Frequently asked questions

What is the EPGPCE and what is its status?

This body, whose full name is the Établissement public du Grand Palais des Champs-Elysees is a public sector body with a special status (Epic) under French law enabling its used in industrial and commercial contexts. It was set up in 2007, and placed under the auspices of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. This status entitles it to receive financing by private patronage.
A dynamic organisation that moves fast, the EPGPCE has a staff of 21. Businesses involved in projects to support the Grand Palais will interface directly with the manager of communication, patronage and partnerships.

What is the source of the EPGPCE's funding?

The EPGPCE turns over annual revenue of 8 million euros.
The Grand Palais only receives financial support from the State for restoration work, being eligible as a listed historic monument. As from 2008 there will be no State subsidies towards running costs, and the EPGPCE will have to fund its own development programme.
The Grand Palais has three sources of funding: operations in the Nave (and future areas developed as from Autumn 2008), a loan, and the generosity of patrons.

Why support the Grand Palais?

Emblematic of French heritage, the Grand Palais has been at the forefront of the major transformations in French society (the birth of the automobile, aviation, houseware, etc.) and staged the most popular art exhibitions, and sport and other events. Located in the heart of Paris, it welcomes over one and a half million visitors each year: the Grand Palais has become an integral part of French life.
Following a length period of uncertainty as to the building's future, the creation in 2007 of the Établissement public du Grand Palais des Champs Elysées laid the foundations for a renaissance of the Grand Palais. The 2008/2010 action plan sets out a framework for the immediate future of the building with its unique development potential.
By supporting the Grand Palais you will be associating your company with its image, its status as a symbol of French national heritage, and its incomparable architecture. With the Grand Palais, you can organise prestigious public relations events for 100 to 5,000 people. Offer your guests preferential access to exclusive areas of the building.
To become involved in the ambition of the Grand Palais is to share its values of excellence and style, to contribute, through your commitment, to the conservation of the heritage or to support contemporary creation.

What are the main patronage themes?

Patronage projects concern three main areas:
 
Heritage restoration and conservation: the restoration of the exterior of the building will be completed at the end of 2008, but many interior areas are in need of renovation to offer a fitting welcome to the public and a rich and diversified events programme. Our projects include the restoration of features such as the mosaics and sculptures, and the lighting of the Nave. We need your support for the preservation and enhancement of this heritage.
 
Support for contemporary art: the Grand Palais seeks to associate contemporary artists with its renaissance: decoration of the Nave tympanum in the Nave, installations in front of the peristyle… Together we can design projects that offer greater visibility to contemporary creative arts.
 
Access for disabled persons: the Grand Palais, which will be hosting the World Fencing Championships, including the competition for disabled athletes in 2010, must set a benchmark by offering impeccable facilities for visitors with disabilities.

What is the Patrons Circle?

The Patrons Circle was set up by the Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées to offer all companies, whatever their size, the opportunity to support a project to embellish or restore the Grand Palais. By making a donation of any amount between 15,000 and 200,000 euros, a company may count itself among the closest friends of the Grand Palais and become a patron.

Which projects can you support?

You can provide support for the restoration work, the opening of new areas in the building, enhancement, or the creation of new facilities.

What differences are there between sponsorship and patronage?

Under French law, patronage is an act of generosity on the part of a business or a private person with regard to a public institution, with no attendant expectation of profit or benefits received in exchange.
However, the Law of August 1 2003 authorises the establishments that receive donations to show their gratitude towards benefactors by offering benefits worth up to 25% of the amount of the donation. The French State also allows companies to receive a tax deduction worth 60% of the donation, provided that this sum does not exceed 0.5% of the donator's turnover. Patronage may take the form of a cash donation, the provision of skills (know-how or services), or a donation in kind (products manufactured by the company and directly usable by the institution). 
Sponsorship is considered as a communications operation and a commercial initiative. The objective of sponsorship is not considered to be philanthropic, the sponsor being motivated by a meaningful involvement in the institution's projects and the prospects of gaining commercial advantage in terms of corporate image. The sponsor expects some benefits from the institution concerned but is not entitled to a tax deduction. Sponsorship initiatives are subject to VAT.

Is there any way that I can support the Grand Palais as a private person?

Please contact the Grand Palais. We will be very happy to invite you to call in and discuss possible projects.
  
Email : mecenat@rmngp.fr