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; Antique music, specifically, came in my late teens through a friend musicien who was also an History of Art student. We shared a flat. She woke up each morning, browsing through music sheets, warming up her voice and siping a hot beverage all at the same time. Her powerful and beautiful voice filled the space with music, glurp 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.
Opening La Brousse to an Artists in residency program is a long and deliberate decision as I became the keeper of its church fifteen years ago. Away from the “monumental” “extraordinaire” “luxurious”, the process is humble, genuine and authentic to the place.
La Brousse hosts an artist in residence program open to all which takes place in June and August. Situated in central France, It welcomes applications from the 5th of January to the 25th of February each year for the residencies of June and August the same year.
The residence welcomes all application and the priority is given to any creative arts made by the human hand: Painting, drawing, sculpting and acoustic instruments. Singing and/or voice coaching retreats are equally welcome.
Applying for the residency is a personal choice and this should take serious 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 church “Sainte-Foy de la Brousse”, its immediate surroundings, the sheepfold, bread oven and the 360-degree view provide a unique experience.
The sheepfold, converted into a modest cottage welcomes up to four people and therefore can accommodate an artist with his family. Please note that the place isn’t suited for children under five years old.
Access is strictly by car, 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 (fire place and bread oven), push a wheelbarrow and change a gas cylinder (boiler and cooker).
Dogs are welcome. The property is unfenced.
There is a choice between two residency programs.
1) The Free Spirit Residency:
The time spent at La Brousse is entirely free and there is no obligation. You decide whether you practice, work or simply take a pause. It’s a good idea to take as much pictures of the place if, in time, you wanted to express something born from your stay.
2) The Engaged Residency:
This is where you want an outcome. You commit to your art during your stay and you commit to share your work. This can be an exhibition, a page on the website, a concert. The commitment is mutual.
Christine Clark, above studio photo
“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.
Above right, "Nocturne, Abandoned Piano", a work 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.”
contact@la-brousse.com