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The École Nationale Supérieure Beaux-Arts de Paris

The École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris, the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, has joined forces with the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations and the town of Saint-Ouen in a novel initiative to establish artistic residencies in an education action zone. The project’s three partners share a belief in excellence, helping others and commitment. Together they have devised an innovative educational program to promote artistic creation and social impact.

The Beaux-arts: when artistic excellence meets contemporary challenges

The long history of the French National School of Fine Arts began in 1648 when Louis XIV founded the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, to which architecture was added in 1671. Today the School continues to provide an exceptional artistic education, teaching artistic fundamentals with contemporary approaches. The School’s rich curriculum combines the study of theory with practice in the studio. Students are closely supervised by mentors, most of whom are experienced artists.

The School applies its tradition of excellence to meeting current social challenges. Historically located in the Parisian neighborhood of Saint-Germain des Près, since 2009 the school has set up five creative workshops in the town of Saint-Ouen, just beyond the Paris city limits. This project is the fruit of a genuine partnership between the School of Fine Arts and the Saint Ouen town government to respond to current social and urban challenges, which are often the subject of artistic creation today.

An original curriculum combining artistic creativity and social impact

Against the backdrop of a major economic crisis, it has become urgent to discover new models for action that combine innovation and social commitment. Art students trained through the program will earn a degree thanks to collaboration between the Beaux-Arts, the town of Saint Ouen and the Foundations. Three graduates of the Beaux-Arts will receive a one-year grant for an artistic and cultural project to be carried out at a primary or middle school in Saint Ouen. Projects involve both teachers and students.

Because finding jobs for graduates is a major concern, training art students to teach in schools is a priority at the Beaux-Arts. Thanks to the Foundations support for this project, the school is a pioneer in this field. Mutual learning and interaction will be the key to the program’s success based on three essential pillars: an innovative project leading to professional opportunities; training that encompasses both artistic action and social impact, validated by a nationally-recognized degree; and an exceptional partnership between a school, a town and a foundation – all three inspired by a willingness to pool their talent and experience to make a difference.