Two prestigious Parisian cultural institutions have announced significant leadership changes, with Raphaëlle Haccart expanding her role at the Palais de Tokyo and Camille Desprez joining the École du Louvre in a senior position. The appointments reflect the evolving needs of these major art and education centers as they adapt to contemporary challenges in cultural communication and development.
Raphaëlle Haccart, who has served as Development Director at the Palais de Tokyo since 2019, has been promoted to Director of Communication and Development at the contemporary art center. In her previous role, she oversaw all activities related to the museum's private funding, including patronage, partnerships, and sponsorships. She notably spearheaded the "Palais durable" patronage program, which promotes ecological and social issues within the institution.
According to the Palais de Tokyo, Haccart is now "expanding her scope of action" to include communication responsibilities. Her new role will encompass supporting the reach of the institution's artistic programming under what the museum describes as "institutional permaculture" philosophy, inspired by the institution's president, Guillaume Désanges. This expanded position reflects the museum's commitment to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of its operations.
Haccart brings impressive academic credentials to her enhanced role. She earned a bachelor's degree in Modern Literature from the Sorbonne in 2008 and completed a master's degree at EDHEC Business School in 2012. Most recently, she obtained a bachelor's degree in Art History from Paris-Nanterre University in 2024, demonstrating her continued commitment to professional development in the cultural sector.
Before joining the Palais de Tokyo in 2019, Haccart spent six years at the Centre Pompidou from 2013 to 2019, where she worked as Head of Patronage and Partnerships. Her experience at one of France's most important contemporary art museums provided her with valuable insights into museum operations and private funding strategies. Additionally, in 2021, she participated as an auditor in the "Art & Ecology" session of the Ministry of Culture's Cycle of Advanced Cultural Studies (CHEC).
Meanwhile, Camille Desprez has made the transition from the private to the public sector, joining the École du Louvre on Monday, September 15, 2025, as Head of Communication and Patronage. Desprez brings six years of experience as Communications Director at Galerie Templon, one of Paris's leading contemporary art galleries, where she developed expertise in art market communication and client relations.
Desprez's departure from Galerie Templon has created its own succession story, with Théa Chevalin stepping into the Communications Director role. Chevalin previously served as Director of Publications for the gallery, bringing editorial and publishing experience to her new communications responsibilities. This internal promotion ensures continuity in the gallery's communication strategies while allowing for fresh perspectives in leadership.
These appointments highlight the dynamic nature of Paris's cultural sector, where experienced professionals move between institutions, bringing cross-sector expertise and fresh approaches to established organizations. The moves also reflect the growing importance of communication and development roles in cultural institutions as they navigate an increasingly complex landscape of public and private funding, digital engagement, and social responsibility.
