illy continues to expand its partnerships with the contemporary art world to better leverage the concepts of quality and beauty that typify the illy brand

Trieste, 14 September 2022 – illycaffè is broadening its collaborative ventures with the contemporary art world and has become a partner of the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale, which will run from 14 September to 31 December.

The 16th Lyon Biennale, first held in 1991 and now considered the leading contemporary art event in France, will explore the vulnerability of the contemporary world.  “Manifesto of fragility” is the title chosen by the two curators, Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, for the event, inviting participating artists to express their feelings towards the world that surrounds them and to place fragility at the centre of all forms of resistance, instead of considering it a form of weakness. Fragility is perhaps one of the few peculiarities that unites our fragmented world, and could thus become the basis for a more sustainable future.

illy is the official coffee of the Lyon Biennale. Visitors will be able to enjoy illy’s unique 100% Arabica blend at the restaurant in the Usines Fafgor, the event’s main cultural venue, or take a break with a Ready to Drink illy coffee available from illy’s cargo bike.

“We are happy to be partners with the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale – comments Cristina Scocchia, Chief Executive Officer of illycaffè – Looking for beauty and making the most of it is one of the hallmarks of illycaffè’s corporate culture, and this is the reason why the company has decided to support this very important event”.

The beauty referred to by illycaffè reflects the ancient Greek concept of kalokagathìa, which holds that goodness and beauty are inextricably tied and depend on one another, encompassing both the ethical and aesthetic dimension. For a company that pursues sustainable quality like illy, opening a privileged communication channel with the world of art is a major component of corporate culture and ethics.