Champagne Castelnau Strengthens Contemporary Art Associations

In line with its own modern art-inspired labels, Champagne Castelnau is strengthening its associations with the contemporary art world.

On Tuesday evening, 29th January, Champagne Castelnau supported a reception at the Whitechapel Gallery in London for 200 artists and art world luminaries, attended by British actor Tamsin Greig, Whitechapel Gallery Director Iwona Blazwick and leading artists including David Batchelor, Alice Channer and Conrad Shawcross. The event was held to celebrate the 2019 Whitechapel Gallery Art Icon award in partnership with Swarovski, and was this year presented to British artist Rachel Whiteread. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception with Champagne Castelnau Brut Réserve at the event to celebrate Whiteread’s profound contribution to contemporary art.

Whiteread, who was the first woman to receive the Turner prize, is internationally renowned for her evocative sculptures and remarkable public monuments, which include The Tree of Life (2012), a frieze of golden leaves situated above the entrance to the Whitechapel Gallery, and her Holocaust Memorial (2000) in Vienna.

The Whitechapel Gallery Art Icon award is presented each year to an artist who is considered to have exerted influence over their own and subsequent generations of artists.

Commenting on the brand’s link with the prestigious award, Champagne Castelnau’s UK Head of Marketing Belinda Stone comments

“Just like our range of premium Champagnes, there are many different styles of contemporary art, but what they all have in common is creativity in pursuit of excellence and bringing pleasure to many people. The Whitechapel Gallery Art Icon award is an important annual event in the art world and, with its objective of awarding artists who influence their own and future generations, it chimes perfectly with the achievements of our Chef de Cave Elisabeth Sarcelet who, as one of the very few female chief winemakers in Champagne, is recognised for her influence on the current and next generations of women oenologists.”

Tuesday evening’s event marked the beginning of a year in which contemporary art-led events and activities will play a significant role for Champagne Castelnau. The Reims-based brand is developing such alliances as an avenue to reach new audiences and build upon its premium contemporary image and associations. The move comes following the recent purchase by Champagne Castelnau of a historical villa in Reims which will open next year as the brand’s visitor centre and which will include contemporary art installations and contemporary art-based activities.

Photo: Tamsin Greig and husband Rick Leaf at the Whitechapel Gallery Art Icon award 2019 with Champagne Castelnau.