The Drawing Factory

What happens when more than 30 artists are asked to unleash their creativity in a former hotel in Paris?

This once-in-a-lifetime artists’ residency took place at The Drawing Factory, in Paris’s vibrant 17th arrondissement, a largely residential area north of the Arc de Triomphe. Artists were invited to occupy five floors of rooms that were repurposed into art studios for six months.

We went to Paris to meet some of the artists and see the work they are making first-hand. We also spoke with the manager of the Drawing Lab, Steven Vandeporta, who gave us a tour of the hive of artistic activity. Each resident received a bespoke kit of Winsor and Newton graphic art materialsto use and we provided technical workshops and advice throughout their time there.

The residency was initiated by Steven Vandeporta, Christine Phal, founder of the philanthropic Drawing Lab, and Carine Tissot, director of Drawing Now Art Fair and the Drawing Hotel, in association with the National Centre for Plastic Arts (Cnap).

Artists were selected from an Open Call by a panel that included Cnap representatives, artists, art collectors and curators, as well as Christine Phal. Successful applicants were supported by a monthly grant from Cnap and a programme of outreach events that targeted the professional drawing community and included studio visits from arts professionals, press conferences, public talks, open studios and an exhibition.

Find out more about The Drawing Factory here.