Villa Arson

Created in 1970, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, the Villa Arson was conceived from its beginnings as a new type of art institution open to international exchange which brought together an art school, an exhibition center, and a site for artists-in-residence. Today, the Villa Arson is a public establishment with a vocation for education, research and support for creative projects, and a desire to present the most contemporary artistic practices to a broad and diverse public. Always looking beyond France’s borders, the Villa Arson actively participates in international exchanges through numerous partnerships with foreign institutions and the hosting of students, researchers and artists. Through its public relations department, the Villa Arson also seeks to broaden its regional and national audience. 

The Center’s missions are both distinct and complementary: 
– Art education, with a student body of around 200 in a single art program with a 3 to 5 year curriculum leading to state diplomas (DNAP–DNSEP equivalent with a Master) 
– The production of artworks and exhibitions with the onsite creation of numerous projects in the framework of a program which features ten exhibitions per year as well as other art events; the hosting of artists-in-residence 
– Critics and students through international exchanges in the Center’s forty guest rooms and studio apartments 
– Information and documentation related to contemporary art, with a specialized library and resource center.