“Sharing art is sharing our humanity. With ‘1001 Plateaux,’ everyone contributes to weaving a living link between art, business, and community.” 

Françoise Schein

What is the impact and role of art in the company and in the daily life of its personnel?

This question finds a dynamic answer within the National Bank of Belgium (BNB) through a captivating initiative. In collaboration with the associations @inscrire and @francoise_schein.

It is in this perspective that the Belgian artist Françoise Schein, recognized for her commitment to human rights, was invited to create a collective work with the employees of the BNB. Through participatory workshops, each staff member had the opportunity to unleash their creativity by painting on porcelain trays imagined by the artist. These unique creations, inspired by a selection of works and objects from the collections of the BNB, are integrated into a splendid mosaic entitled “1001 Plateaux”, referring to the work “A Thousand Plateaus” by philosophers Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, which illustrates rhizomatic, horizontal, and non-hierarchical thought.

It also embodies the celebration of the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the company. As a link between participants and the artist, but also among colleagues sharing a unique moment, this collective work marks the history of the BNB.

At the end of this creative process, the work “1001 Plateaux” is integrated into the collection of the BNB, creating an artistic mise en abîme.

The exhibition “Sharing Collections – Sharing Connections” was inaugurated during a shared meal, presenting the 155 works and objects chosen from the collections.

“1001 Plateaux” also embodies the celebration of the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the company. As a link between participants and the artist, but also among colleagues sharing a unique moment.

Through this ambitious project, art becomes a true vector of dialogue and cohesion within the company. It reminds everyone that artistic expression is a universal language, capable of transcending differences and creating lasting bonds between individuals. By celebrating art as a link, the BNB thus paves the way for a dynamic and inspiring professional environment, where creativity and sharing become the foundations of a flourishing and committed community.

ARTIST
Françoise Schein, visual artist and architect, professor at the Higher School of Arts and Media in Caen/Cherbourg, founder of the Inscrire Association.

CURATOR
Carine Fol External Consultant BNB Ph.D. in art history Curator and author Member of AICA

TEAM INSCRIRE
Amandine Bertholet
Katia de Radiguès
Lohana Schein
Galerie de Lô

1001 Plateaux is part of the BNB project proposed by