The collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), a major New York museum founded in 1870, is based on a solid commitment to safeguarding and passing on knowledge and expertise. Thanks to this alliance, the Maison confirms its profound bond with the world of art and culture, which has always nourished its imagination and creativity, as the upcoming training initiatives developed within the framework of this partnership will highlight.
Suffice it to say that the founding act of the Maison is an apprenticeship contract that Jean-Marc Vacheron signed on 17 September 1755. This official document committed the founder to teaching his art to a young apprentice for a period of five years. The transmission of knowledge has therefore always been at the heart of the activity of the Manufacture, whose 40 or so skills are largely linked to the talent and techniques developed by previous generations, continually rethought, adapted and improved over the decades.
As in the past, Vacheron Constantin is committed to integrating apprentices into its production process and to looking after its craftsmen and watchmakers. Each model - whether it is part of the Maison's catalogue or bears the emblem of the unique Les Cabinotiers timepieces - is the fruit of more than two and a half centuries of knowledge and tradition. Creativity and innovation play a central role, enriching the existing store of knowledge. For Louis Ferla, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, "the quest for excellence is a constant challenge through which we never stop learning".
Louis Ferla continues: "Establishing a partnership with the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art allows us to highlight our common vocation for the transmission of knowledge and the protection of the arts. Vacheron Constantin's commitment to art and culture has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration, which permeates our freedom to create and express beauty in all our timepieces".
To this end, Vacheron Constantin has developed the "One of Not Many Mentorship Program" in partnership with talents whose personality and work express the constant quest for excellence, openness to the world and spirit of innovation and creativity that is characteristic of the Maison. This approach is the basis of the collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, which allows young musicians to benefit from the advice of experts in music production and the support of Woodkid, internationally renowned musician and artistic director. Also noteworthy is the collaboration with CHAN Chun Wai, principal dancer of the New York City Ballet, who teaches his art to young talents.
The Met is also committed to mentorship and education programmes that make art accessible to everyone, regardless of background, status, age or experience. Suffice it to say that the Museum's Education Department currently includes over 29,000 events and training programmes that take place throughout the year. These include workshops, art-making experiences, specialised tours, scholarships to support high-level research and study, and high school and university internships that promote accessibility and career diversity. As well as access programmes for visitors with disabilities, programmes for primary and secondary educators that train teachers to integrate art into the core curricula of all disciplines, and school visits and programmes that stimulate deep learning and an ongoing relationship with art.
