The Singulart Prize 2025 is still up and running and we are proud to announce that we are partnering with the Société Générale. Société Générale is a major contemporary art promoter, which sees the realization of artistic innovation and cultural dialogue as a natural extension of its primary mission. The theme this year, ‘Deeply Human,’ offers artists a way to explore and express the vast range and unique qualities of human experiences. In this exclusive interview for Singulart Aurélie Deplus, Head of the Contemporary Art Collection, talks about the prize’s theme and Société Générale’s commitment to the arts.
Can you introduce yourself, tell us about your background, and explain your role at Société Générale?
My name is Aurélie Deplus Deplus and I have been the Head of the Contemporary Art Collection, Artistic Patronage Projects, and Public Relations for Société Générale Group’s engagements since 2018. Being very passionate about art, I hold a degree in art history and have completed training at Christie’s Education.
Previously, I have held various positions within the bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking division. In 2011, Société Générale selected me as one of the first employees to join its Collection’s Acquisition Committee. Furthermore, I am also a member of the friends’ circles of La Source and the Beaux-Arts de Paris. My primary mission is to open up the Collection to wider audiences, initiate new dialogues with the art world both in France and internationally, and share a Collection that includes more than 700 works and 1,000 prints and lithographs.
The global art community recognizes Société Générale’s Art Collection as one of the most prestigious corporate collections. What is the main mission or guiding principle of this collection, and how does it reflect Société Générale’s values and vision?
Société Générale founded its Contemporary Art Collection in 1995 when the bank moved to its new headquarters in La Défense. The Collection has spread out across all the La Défense, Val de Fontenay and Central Agency sites, reflecting the ambition to set a dialogue between the worlds of art and business.
The Collection has grown since the beginning thanks to a consistent acquisition policy and the unwavering support of the Group’s executive leadership; it is now one of the largest contemporary art collections assembled by a bank in France. The development was accompanied with an ever increasing openness of this place to the general public.
With such a renowned collection, the selection process must be highly demanding. In your view, what are the essential criteria or qualities for a work to stand out and align with the vision of the Société Générale Collection?
Over the years, the Collection has focused on a number of key interests, including painting (especially abstraction), architecture, and urban landscapes, and increasingly, the human figure. A committee determines the Collection’s direction annually and the Collection also focuses on supporting young contemporary artists.
You have agreed to join the jury for the Singulart Prize 2025, which celebrates the theme “Deeply Human.” What motivated you to join the jury, and how does this theme resonate with your vision or personal approach?
I’m delighted to join the Singulart Prize jury. Being part of a jury is always an enriching human experience, offering the chance to meet new personalities and talents.
We resonate with the theme and with Singulart too. Sharing our Collection with the public is a major part of what we do. The Collection is inclusive and many of our employees are part of the Acquisition Committee each year. On a personal level we all know this theme and on an artists level, this theme in some way affects all artists. It is a universal concern.
Do you have any advice for artists applying to the Singulart Prize 2025?
One piece of advice: be yourself- just “human.”
With its theme of ‘Deeply Human,’ The Singulart 2025 Prize was designed to combine evocative works that explore the deepest parts of our emotions and experiences. As one of the partners, Société Générale reaffirms its support to cultural patronage and also helps artists to have their voices heard. We thank Aurélie Deplus for reminding us to bridge ideas between art and business to inspire others. Our jury team is still collecting applications to the Prize, so make sure you submit your work to chances to win!
