The aim of the Fondation Cartier is to present the work of living artists around the world and to promote a wide range of contemporary art from painting and sculpture to photography and video.
Its activities are focused on organizing exhibitions in France and abroad, building up and enriching its collection with new acquisitions, and regularly commissioning works from artists. With Nomadic Nights it has enlarged its programme to include theatre, music and dance activities held to coincide with the exhibitions.

Ever since it was founded, the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain has varied its programme so as to include both one-man shows and group or thematic exhibitions.
Each of these projects is carried out in close collaboration with the artists concerned.