Since the Fondation Fernet-Branca reopened its doors in April 2024 after an 18-month closure, the institution has been temporarily managed by the executive board of the foundation.
A GREAT EXPERIENCE GAINED
The president of the foundation, Martine Zimmermann, is looking forward to the collaboration: «Ms. Osadtschy worked for many years at Kunstmuseum Basel and has conducted extensive research throughout her career. We are convinced by her curatorial rigor and her commitment to the arts and the artists. We are delighted to welcome her to the Espace d’Art Contemporain of the Fondation Fernet-Branca and look forward to discovering her vision and some wonderful exhibitions in the future». Olga Osadtschy worked as an assistant curator at the Kunstmuseum Basel under the leadership of Josef Helfenstein between 2016 and 2024, where she co-curated major exhibitions on Dan Flavin (2024), Shirley Jaffe (2023), and the photography collection of Ruth and Peter Herzog (2020), among others. She was also instrumental in organizing major retrospectives of Camille Pissarro (2021), Theaster Gates (2018), Sam Gilliam (2018) and Marc Chagall (2017). In a rigorous selection process, she convinced the selecting committee of the Fondation Fernet-Branca with her international and interdisciplinary profile
Olga Osadtschy
(Photo: Julian Salinas, 2025)
THE OPPORTUNITY: DEVELOP A PROGRAM
«The Fondation Fernet-Branca enjoys immense popularity in Alsace and has great potential to establish itself as an important venue in the rich network of institutions dedicated to contemporary art in the border region. I look forward to embarking on this journey with the excellent team and working towards a stronger presence in the trinational region and beyond» says Olga Osadtschy. «I welcome the opportunity to develop a program that is rooted in the region and actively engages the local art scene, while broadening horizons and incorporating international perspectives. I am excited to support artistic experiments in this unique venue and help facilitate enriching personal encounters». In addition to her artistic direction, a significant portion of the building’s renovation will take place during Olga Osadtschy’s tenure. Restoration of the famous Fernet-Branca eagle and the historic façade are on the agenda. «Such work is never routine – it requires care, sensitivity and respect for cultural heritage», Olga emphasizes.
OLGA OSADATSCHY
Olga Osadtschy (born 1985) studied Media Culture at the Bauhaus University in Weimar and the University of Siena and Cultural History and Theory and Art as well as Visual History at the Humboldt University. She is an associate member of the eikones Center for the Theory and History of the Image at the University of Basel. Osadtschy is the editor of several art history publications and the author of numerous essays and articles on contemporary art. Her academic research focuses on the history of art, media, and science.
FONDATION FERNET BRANCA
The Fondation Fernet-Branca was opened in 2004 in the premises of the former Fernet-Branca liqueur factory in Saint-Louis (France). Since then, it has made a name for itself as an independent exhibition space with international appeal. The 1,500 m² space presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and is dedicated to promoting current artistic discourse. The unique industrial charm of the building and its ambitious program set the Fondation Fernet-Branca apart as an important venue for artists, cultural enthusiasts and collectors from France, Germany and Switzerland.
INFO
Fondation Fernet-Branca
Espace d’art contemporain
2 rue du Ballon
68300 Saint-Louis, Alsace
