Founded more than 150 years ago, the Cité Falguière is one of the oldest and longest-running international artists’ residencies in the world. Built in the 1870s on the initiative of sculptor Jules-Ernest Bouillot, practitioner of Alexandre Falguière, it has hosted hundreds of artists such as Amedeo Modigliani, Chaïm Soutine, Paul Gauguin, Constantin Brâncuși and Tsuguharu Foujita. The 1960s urban renewal of the Montparnasse neighborhood led to the progressive destruction of most of Cité Falguière’s ateliers, giving way to a neighborhood dominated by residential buildings. With the exception of Atelier 11, the spared ateliers of Cité Falguière were progressively turned into housing, losing their artistic purpose and historical identity.

Atelier 11, the last surviving atelier, is an undeniable piece of both artistic and architectural heritage. It represents an iconic and irreplaceable living testimony of the 19th century and early 20th century when cross-cultural artistic exchange defined the École de Paris. Despite the changes nearby, Atelier 11 has continued welcoming artists to live and work within its walls and, since the 1960s, an international artistic community concerned by the future of Cité Falguière has fought for the recognition and the preservation of this living heritage of the Parisian artistic scene whose global significance is vital to understanding both art’s history and its living practice.

In 2021, an International Arts Research Residency dedicated to the legacy of the École de Paris was established at Atelier 11 to continue its living heritage as a place for artistic exchange and creation. In 2023, the site was awarded with the Ile-de-France Heritage label – supporting the preservation of Atelier 11 that is in urgent need of extensive restoration and renovation in order to be able to continue serving artists and the public.

Goals

Promote intercultural exchanges and international understanding through artistic and cultural heritage.

Activities

Activities may include:

• Restoration and renovation of Atelier 11 to ensure its sustainability for the generations to come.
• Residencies for artists and cultural professionals, including those at risk, in exile or coming from developing countries.
• Art exhibitions, open studios, talks, workshops, etc.

Myriad Canada is working on this project with L’AiR Arts, a nonprofit organisation with a mission to support intercultural exchange. L’AiR Arts offers a multidisciplinary platform for contemporary projects based on 4 pillars: intercultural exchange, research, professional development and creation. At the crossroads between heritage and contemporary arts, the residencies and diversified public programming create a unique experience connecting past and present, local and global. L'AiR Arts has welcomed over 150 arts professionals from more than 35 countries and hosted numerous public events, providing the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, conduct research, and present works. In addition to a diverse cultural programming, L’AiR Arts is actively supporting the rehabilitation efforts for the Atelier 11, in partnership with Cité Falguière Association.