La Villa San Francisco, the first residency of French artists in the USA

On August 25, 2020, the family of French “Villas” – historic devices for artist residencies abroad – is growing. Villa San Francisco has joined the exclusive club of the prestigious Villa Medici (Rome), Villa Velazquez (Madrid) and Villa Kujoyma (Kyoto).

Considering the current sanitary circumstances, the official inauguration of this new Villa will take place during an online event. Under the aegis of Philippe Etienne, Ambassador of France to the United States, several partners involved will speak (from the cultural services of the Embassy of France, the French American Cultural Society, the Consulate of France and other cultural institutions ). Practical information opposite.

” We had to postpone the opening initially scheduled for June because of the coronavirus. But artists have particularly important needs at the moment … We have therefore decided to open at all costs in order to listen to them »Explains Juliette Donadieu, cultural attaché in San Francisco. Because one of the Villa’s primary missions is to support the creativity of artists. French of course, but also local. The main objective is to bring together French cultures and American in this unique meeting place and exchange.

San Francisco, between creativity, tech ‘and avant-garde

” The signature of Villa San Francisco is to resonate the project of a French artist with the local ecosystem. Artists from the Bay, entrepreneurs or researchers from renowned universities. We want above all to nourish the Franco-American dialogue around contemporary issues ” specifies Juliette Donadieu.

And it is no coincidence that San Francisco welcomes this first residence in the US. From gold diggers to Beatniks to LGBT people, the city has a reputation for being daring. Looking to the future. It thus enjoys a position at the crossroads of tech ‘and avant-garde movements, be they cultural, social or scientific. ” The Villa San Francisco combines the social impact of non-profits with the economic agility of Silicon Valley startups! »Says Mélanie Desliens-Flint, founding member and vice-president of the French American Cultural Society.

Connected residences and cultural events

Four artists per year will reside at the Villa for 4 to 6 weeks. They will participate in a tailor-made meeting program. ” Music, cinema, literature, digital arts … the Villa aims to be multidisciplinary andneeds differ according to the fields »Says Juliette Donadieu, cultural attaché at SF.

The first resident selected? Alain Damasio, essential science fiction author. He will stay next October in the apartment made available by the Consulate General of France in the Cole Valley district. Two bedrooms with 360 degree views of the city and completely renovated for the occasion. ” American and French artists were asked to create an identity for this apartment and several contributed to it. »Says Juliette Donadieu. Among them, JR, Nathalie Du Pasquier or Jay Nelson.

Alongside the residences, events will take place all year round. Exhibitions, festivals, performances or collective workshops on the program. An online platform will also allow visitors to share current projects and participate in immersive experiences. The details of the program – season 2020-2021 – will be revealed during the official launch of the Villa.

The apartment will also be unveiled to the public. Note that a call for applications for micro-residences with local artists will also be relayed. Covid-19 obliges, travel from France is not guaranteed and the Villa is keen to adapt to the current context.