Convinced that art and culture are essential pillars to a country’s development, Hasnaine Yavarhoussen created the Yavarhoussen Fund back in 2019 with the goal of exposing and supporting the richness and diversity of Malagasy cultural and creative identity and to develop its visibility both in Madagascar and globally.
In 2019, the Yavarhoussen Fund was the principal sponsor of the first national pavilion of Madagascar at the Venice Biennale , represented by artist Joël Andrianomearisoa.
In 2020, the Fund inaugurated “Hakanto Contemporary” located in Antananarivo, the first multi-purpose contemporary art space in Madagascar – an ambitious non-profit platform dedicated to train and showcase contemporary Malagasy artists. With the ambition to support young Malagasy artists and creators to build the future, the Fund also contributes to the increased documentation of Malagasy art history and Malagasy culture by providing support for academic research and publication. Furthermore, the Yavarhoussen Fund also supports initiatives aimed at developing access to art and culture in Madagascar in all genres (visual arts, music, cinema, etc.).
Portrait
A malagasy businessman,
CEO of Groupe Filatex
— “The effervescence of the Malagasy artistic scene needs to be supported in order to create, produce and make itself known in Madagascar and internationally. The Fonds Yavarhoussen also aims to support the historical documentation of Madagascar's artistic heritage and to support the visibility of Malagasy art and culture locally and globally.”
President and Founder
Since Hasnaine Yavarhoussen was appointed CEO of Groupe Filatex in 2011, he has led a change agenda to inspire a culture shift within the organization and grow the business internationally. He has injected new energy into a family-owned business – not only diversifying into real estate, free zones, energy, and hospitality sectors – but, leveraging his business acumen and vision for innovation, has transformed the Group’s energy subsidiary into the largest IPP producer in Madagascar.
Hasnaine’s global mindset, strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and contagious enthusiasm, is the driving force behind the company’s successful expansion into mainland Africa.
Hasnaine has also overseen Groupe Filatex’s various CSR activities, which has involved the implementation of 32 philanthropic programs in Madagascar. Furthermore, he founded The Yavarhoussen Fund in 2019, a fund dedicated to supporting Malagasy arts and culture, which began with the participation of Madagascar at the Venice Art Biennale in 2019 for the first time ever.
Since 2018, Hasnaine was regularly selected for the ‘Choiseul 100 Africa’ ranking, a publication which recognizes some of the most successful African leaders under the age of 40. Hasnaine has been Board member of South Africa’s Zeitz Mocca museum for several years. He’s now member of the London Tate Modern’s African Art Acquisitions Committee
Exhibition
« Dany Be : What a wonderfull world » at Hakanto Contemporary
The Hakanto Contemporary art centre is continuing its programme of exploring Madagascar's rich photographic heritage. Following on from the outstanding exhibition on Ramily in 2022, this exhibition, which runs until 26 October, is the first monographic exhibition on Daniel Rakotoseheno, known as Dany Be (1935-2021), a pioneer of photojournalism in Madagascar.
In around ten chapters, this exhibition, packed with 127 images carefully chosen with the help of the photographer's family, sketches a professional, engaged and human portrait of a man who has remained a delicate witness to the history of Madagascar since its independence.
Exhibition from May 4th until October 26th
Curated by Rina Ralay-Ranaivo and Jean Loup Pivin with the help of Rado Rakotoseheno
Photo : portrait of Dany Be by Pierrot Men
Hakanto Contemporary
Alhambra Gallery, floor 2
Ankadimbahoaka, Antananarivo
Learn more
Partnership Fonds Yavarhousen / Michelangelo Foundation
Malagasy artisans take part for the first time in the Biennale "Homo Faber" in Venice
The curators of the "Homo Faber" biennial, organised by the Michelangelo Foundation, have selected the Malagasy workshop "Le Village" to take part in the 2024 edition, organised in Venice from 1 to 30 September.
This selection follows on from the partnership between The Fonds Yavarhoussen and the Michelangelo Foundation, which aims to promote and support Malagasy craft excellence and its inclusion in the "Homo Faber" guide. The Fonds Yavarhoussen, which is now the Michelangelo Foundation's "Ambassador" in Madagascar, is tasked with identifying exceptional craftspeople and workshops that meet the criteria set by the Foundation, with a view to including them in the "HomoFaber" guide in 2025.
Since it was founded in 1993, the "Le Village" workshop has built up an international reputation for producing exceptional model boats. Based in Antananarivo and boasting unique expertise, Le Village has won over a host of enthusiasts in the nautical sector. The models are designed using traditional methods by a team of around thirty craftsmen working in 9 workshops specialising in different areas (cutting, planking, fittings, sails, etc.).
Four exceptional models have been selected by the curators of Homo Faber, Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini. They will be exhibited in Venice, helping to raise the profile of Madagascan craftsmanship internationally.
Homo Faber 2024
Isola di San Giorgio, Venice
From Sept 1st to Sept 30th 2024
About Homo Faber 2024
Fonds Yavarhoussen
Yavarhoussen
Berard
Razafimandimby