Artists in Residency

“Nothing is as unique as our own experience”. Born and bred in France, I spent most of my existence in Scotland, a place I call home today. Growing up away from what we generally call “the artistic culture”, my first encounter of the arts was with music. Classical music, specifically, came in my late teens through a musical friend who was also a history of art student. We shared a flat. She woke up each morning, browsing through music sheets, warming up her voice and sipping a hot beverage all at the same time. Her powerful and beautiful voice filled the space with music, sips and “merde” in no specific order. By 7am, as she went to university I read the art history books she left behind and, in turn, most of her art books.

This changed my life.

Opening La Brousse to an “Artists in Residency” program is a long and deliberate decision as I became the keeper of its church. Applications are welcome from the 5th of January to the 25th of February for residencies in June and August of the same year. The residency encourages all applications with priority being given to any creative art made by the human hand: painting, writing, drawing, sculpting and acoustic instruments. Singing and/or voice coaching retreats are equally welcome.

Applying takes careful consideration as La Brousse stands alone on top of a hill, remote from the hustle and bustle, noise pollution and the commodity of life in general such as access to main power. The sheepfold has been converted into a rustic yet modest cottage. Please note that the place isn’t suited for children under 8 years old. A car is the only “must” of this page, whether it’s rented or not and help can be provided. La Brousse and its “back to basics” approach is best suited for people who can light a fire, push a wheelbarrow and change a gas cylinder. The church, its immediate surroundings, the sheepfold, bread oven and the 360-degree view provide a unique experience.

There is a choice between two residency programs.

Free Spirit Residency

A space to practice, create or simply take a pause. A time to unwind, refresh and have a breather, with no artistic obligation.

Engaged Residency

A space to begin, explore or finish a project. A time to materialise art and commit to a display, a concert, a presentation. The commitment is mutual.

A few words from Christine Clark, pictured above

“As a custodians or artist in residence, sacred spaces such as Sainte Foy De La Brousse speak to us. Their stoic past lends us narratives for new storytelling. Artists, musicians and poets breathe new life into spaces while respecting there past. 

"Nocturne, Abandoned Piano", is a piece I made after a visit to a small candlelit church in Paris. After listening to an extremely moving Chopin recital, the church emptied. I lingered behind. The piano, now silent, existed quietly at the heart of the space. 

Old churches hold wisdom and spirituality. They have witnessed generations of human existence. They carry an emotional weight and presence. 

Retreats such as this, with breathtaking views, allow vital time and space in an ever-growing fast-paced modern world. The retreat at Sainte Foy De La Brousse allows us to slow down, contemplate and discover something new about our practice and ourselves, while reminding us of the relationship between land, heritage, materials, nature and collective creative spirit in preserving the true and the beautiful.”