FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY (February 9, 2016) – Contemporary art has a new home in the Caribbean as Martinique celebrated the grand opening of Fondation Clément, a 25,400+ square-foot museum showcasing fine modern works produced by artists from all corners of the Caribbean, in January 2016. Located on the historic grounds of Habitation Clément, where the legend of Rhum Clément was born in 1887, the new museum builds upon Fondation Clément’s proud tradition of steadfast support for the arts. Whereas this tradition was once embodied in exhibitions and installations at La Case à Léo and other areas scattered around Habitation Clément, the new museum provides a permanent home. “The Fondation Clément museum adds to the dynamic nature of Habitation Clément, which has long served as much more than a typical distillery attraction,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau. “The history of Martinique’s unique rhum agricole has always remained central to the attraction, but the art integrated gardens, preserved Great House, and other historic structures all make Habitation Clément extra special. Now, with Fondation Clément establishing a stunning permanent new home to showcase the depth and vibrancy of contemporary art in the Caribbean, and especially Martinique, art lovers can celebrate their passions here like no where else in the Caribbean.” As opposed to a separate stand-alone building, Fondation Clément blends seamlessly into a collection of the distillery’s old structures, making use of original construction materials – stainless steel, lava stone and concrete mashrabyias among them. Such materials serve a contemporary design in the new structures, with minimalist lines that meld dramatically with the topography and complex contours of the existing site. Fondation Clément opens with an exhibit of celebrated Haitian artist Hervé Télémaque. The showcase of 53 Télémaque paintings, graphic works, and sculptures is a continuation of a popular retrospective successively presented by the Centre Pompidou and the Musée Cantini of Marseille last year. The exhibit will run until April 17th 2016. Fondation Clément is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Admission is free. For more information on Fondation Clément, visit www.foundation-clement.org. For more information on travel to Martinique, please visit www.us.martinique.org. About Martinique (www.us.martinique.org) The Caribbean Island with French Flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications services all on par with any other part of the European Union.At the same time, Martinique’s beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are the equal of neighboring Dominica to the north and St. Lucia to the south, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds. The currency is the Euro, the flag is Le Tricolour, and the official language is French, but Martinique’s character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years, including being ranked in the Top 16 Places to go in 2016 by Condé Nast Traveler, named as a “Must-Visit” destination for 2015 by Caribbean Journal, “Best Caribbean Destination” by About.com, and “Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining” by Caribbean Travel + Life. The Bay of Fort-de-France, which fronts Martinique’s charming capital city, was also recently inducted into The Club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World. Martinique’s storied history further stirs travel passions. Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised in Martinique, while the majestic Mt. Pelée volcano and St. Pierre, The Pompeii of the Caribbean, are found here. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c’est magnifique!