Its goal is to generate and promote cultural and artistic activities with reference to the oeuvre of van Gogh as related to the time he spent in Arles, and the intention that van Gogh expressed in establishing an international center of artistic creation and exchange in Arles.

In 1985 Yolande Clergue proposed initiating a collection of works executed by contemporary artists in tribute to Van Gogh, including Francis Bacon.

More than ninety artists chose to contribute to this homage to Vincent van Gogh.

In 2008 Yolande Clergue’s original ambition to create a Fondation Van Gogh was given new momentum by Luc Hoffmann who established a permanent framework for activities designed to preserve the memory of Van Gogh in Arles and to foster contemporary art.

[2] This new foundation was officially established in 2010, under the name of the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles.