Hema Schmutz, director of Lento, receives the French Knight’s Order

Hema Schmutz was awarded the Order of Arts and Letters by French Ambassador Gilles Picot at a ceremony this week. The award honors the Director of the Linz Museum’s special commitment to art, as well as her commitment to international cultural exchange.

Hemma Schmutz, Director of Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz, can look forward to receiving a special award. I received the Order of Arts and Letters with the rank of Knight (French: Chevalier) this week. This order rewards people who have rendered an outstanding service through their artistic or literary works or through their contribution to the spread of arts and literature in France and around the world.

“I have spoken French since I was young and have always been attracted to the culture of this beautiful country. One of the highlights of the week is the French language course in which I improve my language skills with like-minded people. I have been to France many times and am always impressed by the cultural shows. The Biennale has inspired me In Lyon in particular on my last visit.” Hema Schmutz, Director of Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz

In the programming of the Lentos Art Museum, Schmutz also draws on international relations, especially with France. The collection’s current display features works by famous French artists such as Georges Mathieu and André Masson. Paintings by Gustave Courbet and Eugène Carrier can also be seen in the current special exhibition Sisters & Brothers. In return, valuable loans from Lentos, Kokoschka’s The Friends, and Father Hirsch were given to the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris last year. Just at the beginning of the year, the Linz Museum of Art was showing a personal exhibition by the Carnitine painter Jean Egger, which has found a second home in Paris.

Doris Lang-Mayerhofer, city councilor for culture, tourism and creative industries for the city of Linz, congratulated Hemma Schmutz in Lentos with a bouquet of flowers after the award ceremony.

“I warmly congratulate Hema Schmutz on her extraordinary award of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. This recognition for her outstanding achievements in the arts and culture scene is a great honor, not only for her personally, but also for the Linz Art Museum and the entire city of Linz.” Creative Industries of Linz

The Medal of Arts and Letters was awarded to Hema Schmutz by the French Ambassador, Gilles Picot. At the party held at the French Embassy in Vienna this week, many companions, friends and colleagues of the French director Lentos were present, including etc. Artists Iris Andrachek, Anna Jermolawa, Jakob-Lena Nebel and Ashley Hans Scherl, as well as Dommuseum Wien director Johanna Schwanberg and Verbund Group head Gabriel Schur, as well as Lentos curators Elisabeth Novak Thaler and Brigitte Reutner – do.