British sculptor Thomas Houseago and French artist Théo Mercier have been selected for the 2026 edition of the Reiffers Initiatives artist mentorship program. The program, founded in 2021 by French entrepreneur and collector Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers, pairs established and emerging artists for a six-month exchange that will culminate in a duo exhibition during Art Basel Paris in October.
This mentorship program highlights a growing trend of private collectors and entrepreneurs directly fostering emerging talent outside traditional institutional channels. By linking a major art fair like Art Basel Paris with a structured mentorship, the initiative provides significant visibility and networking opportunities for younger artists, potentially reshaping how careers are launched in the contemporary art world.