"The Collège des Bernardins is a school of dialogue" — Yann Le Touher, Fondation des Bernardins

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Yann Le Touher (E07) has just been appointed Delegate General of the Fondation des Bernardins. This dual-qualified graduate (ESSEC + École du Louvre) has devoted his entire career to arts and cultural patronage. Interview.

You have just joined the Fondation des Bernardins. What is your remit?

I have joined the Fondation des Bernardins, which is the philanthropic vehicle of the Collège des Bernardins. Each year, the Foundation raises between €5.5 and €8 million and contributes to the funding of the Collège's activities to the tune of 40%. These donations come overwhelmingly from private individuals. My remit is to consolidate the private donor segment, whilst increasing the share of donations from businesses.

What are the various activities of the Collège?

The Collège has several missions. The first is education, with courses in theology, philosophy, spirituality, art, and literature, open to all and delivered on-site. The educational offer is also available online via the "Campus des Bernardins", with 105 filmed courses, audio content, MOOCs, and mini-series. It is a remarkable way of extending the Collège's reach beyond its walls. The second activity is Research, with a distinctive characteristic: all research topics relate to mankind and the human condition. Six departments and 270 researchers work on highly contemporary themes — the environment, AI, and the suburbs, amongst others. The particular feature is the pairing of an external researcher with a theologian. That is the hallmark of research at the Bernardins. The Collège is also a venue for debate, with lecture series offered throughout the year. These debates are conceived on the model of the "disputatio", in a spirit of mutual respect. Finally, the Collège des Bernardins is a place dedicated to the promotion of art and culture. At present, we have set ourselves the goal of performing Mozart's complete works over the course of a full year.

On what pillars does the Collège des Bernardins' economic model rest?

The economic model rests on three pillars. The first is linked to the training of priests, funded through the Œuvre des vocations. The second encompasses the venue's own revenues: concert ticket sales, conferences, and income from private hire (private events, dinners, cocktail receptions). The third — and in reality the Collège's primary funder — is the Foundation. Beyond the economic model, the Collège des Bernardins defines itself above all as a school of dialogue, that is to say a bridge between wisdom and the contemporary world. Its leadership is fond of the image of a forecourt: a space open to all, dedicated to exchange and encounter, yet "in the shadow of a bell tower" — that is, rooted in a tradition of thought and wisdom. Warming hearts through beauty and architecture, enlightening minds through education and debate: in an ever more fragmented society, this mission takes on a particular resonance.

How do you persuade businesses to become involved?

There are several levers. First, the venue itself: two auditoriums, the great nave, numerous rooms — it is an exceptional setting for corporate events. Then, education: we can organise thematic seminars led by our finest specialists. And finally, the role of think tank: on subjects such as AI and ethics, geopolitics, or finance, the Collège can become a space for reflection for businesses. We recently hosted, for example, an international symposium on religious finance, with an ecosystem built around these themes.

Is the Catholic identity not an obstacle for businesses?

It can be for those who look no further than first impressions. The Collège is indeed an initiative of the Diocese of Paris, founded in 2008 by Cardinal Lustiger — born Jewish, converted, and ordained a priest before becoming a bishop and then a cardinal. This particular history is precisely what shaped the calling of the place: to be a space for dialogue between Judeo-Christian wisdom and the contemporary world. At our symposium on religious finance, we brought together Muslim, Jewish, and Christian stakeholders in the same room, against a backdrop of considerable international tension. This is precisely what the Collège excels at: being a trusted third party to enable dialogue.

Could you tell us about your career? What ties do you maintain with alumni?

I began by studying at the École du Louvre, before completing my training at ESSEC. I then worked in various museums — the Musée d'Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, the Grand Palais, the Louvre — and traversed every period of art history. I then embarked on a second phase of my career in foundations, first at the Fondation Art Explora, whose mission is to make art accessible to the widest possible audience. The experience in a foundation is more agile, almost entrepreneurial. I joined the Fondation des Bernardins, which I believe has a very strong role to play in today's world. My work today is the synthesis of my training: I am grounded in figures, management, and business, all in the service of the public good. If my career path may seem unusual compared to my former ESSEC classmates, the connection with alumni endures. Several ESSEC alumni are today volunteers or donors of the Fondation des Bernardins.

How do you view the evolution of philanthropy in France? Is it harder to raise funds today?

I observe that competition has intensified. Many cultural and not-for-profit institutions have realised they can no longer rely solely on public subsidies and have turned to private patronage. The profession has become more specialised, both on the side of fundraisers and grantmakers. In volume, philanthropy is growing, whilst selectivity is also increasing. On the corporate and foundation side, a "trust-based philanthropy" is developing, with less reporting and fewer dossiers. They place trust in beneficiaries and also contribute to running costs. This evolution is healthy, because organisations were spending more time compiling applications than doing their actual work.

Is France's tax incentive framework under threat?

France arguably has the most incentive-driven framework in Europe. But one must remain vigilant. There has already been one adjustment: beyond €2 million in corporate patronage, the tax reduction drops from 60% to 40%. Were we to go further, it would pose a genuine risk to an entire segment of our social model, as many charitable and philanthropic organisations are stepping in for public authorities on matters of general interest.

What are your major upcoming projects?

We are preparing for the Bernardins' 20th anniversary in 2028. The major undertaking is the renovation of the nave by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The aim is to restore the original symmetry of the space and, above all, to dramatically improve the acoustics — halving the current echo to reach the standard of great concert halls. It will be the only concert hall housed within thirteenth-century architecture anywhere in the world. Furthermore, our current focus is artificial intelligence. It is a subject that calls humanity into question, and one the Collège will address across all its activities: research, debates, conferences, and even on the artistic front, with questions around creativity and intellectual property rights.