[Schools] Atelier 11 Cité Falguière: 150 Years of Living Heritage
Discover Atelier 11 Cité Falguière – the last surviving studio of one of the world's oldest and longest-running international artists' residencies.
A unique space of modernity and intercultural exchanges built by artists for artists in the mid 19th century, Cité Falguière was a vibrant multicultural community, home to prominent artists of the École de Paris such as Constantin Brâncuși, Tsuguharu Foujita, Paul Gauguin, Amedeo Modigliani and Chaïm Soutine. In the 1960s, the urban modernisation of the Montparnasse neighbourhood caused the progressive destruction of the Cité Falguière’s artist studios. Ever since, the local community has been striving for the protection and recognition of this cultural heritage.
After more than 60 years of community efforts, the not-for-profit organisation L'AiR Arts with the mission to support intercultural exchange, has joined the Cité Falguière Association and initiated the legacy project to continue the living heritage of the École de Paris through contemporary arts residency programs. In 2022, the Cité Falguière finally became institutionally recognized, receiving support from the Fondation du Patrimoine for this newly developed Cultural Heritage Project of safeguarding Atelier 11 as an International Arts Research Residency.
The Fondation du Patrimoine’s support will contribute to the restoration of the Atelier 11’s exterior facades, preserving the architectural heritage of this remarkable building. However, in order to continue welcoming contemporary artists and cultural professionals, further funding remains to be established for the interior renovations and programming.
For the 2023 European Heritage Days, you are invited to visit the Atelier 11 Cité Falguière before it opens a new chapter with the renovations. There, you will discover the living heritage through the creative process of contemporary artists-in-residence and learn more about the past 60 years of struggle for its protection.
