In Savenay, in the Loire-Atlantique region, a group of residents involved in local community life initiated an art commission to breathe new life into an iconic building: the old petrol station in the shape of a jerry can, built in 1934.

Designed by engineer Olivier Robiou, this monumental concrete jerry can served as a petrol station for many years before being moved to the Moëre crossroads in 2000. A hybrid form between architecture and sculpture, it embodies a unique part of Savenay’s heritage. Although visible to all, it currently remains unused and unpromoted.

United by a desire to restore and redevelop this unusual monument, the six New patrons, who come from a variety of backgrounds (craftsmanship, local history, photography, social action, etc.), wish to commission an artist to propose a contemporary interpretation of the site. Their goal is to create a work that engages with the history and identity of the place.