Espace Croisé

As part of a project which aims to breathe new life into the former Clarisses monastery in Roubaix and have minimal impact on the environment, Espace Croisé has been based in a part of the building since 2020. The art centre has a number of spaces it uses to develop its activities in support of creation, research, promotion, residencies and outreach activities. In line with its artistic and cultural education objective, Espace Croisé is committed to promoting access to culture for all. It supports a number of creative projects led by artists working with the general public, particularly in priority neighbourhoods in Roubaix.

The following different programmes work with artists at different stages of their careers:

CRESCENDO. This residency programme is aimed at young artists who have recently graduated from art schools in the Hauts-de-France region and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Liège.
Selected artists have access to a studio and larger spaces in which they can develop their projects.

SPRINGBOARD. This residency programme offers initial support to artists at the start of their professional career, or at a specific stage in the process of developing their careers. It is designed as a partnership with the region and its key players. For one year or more, artists receive specific support and are invited to spend time and work at Espace Croisé. This support is part of a programme which is agreed in advance by both the artist and the art centre. The aim is to support artists in defining their artistic project and to facilitate their integration into a professional career. (Research, approaches, contacts, networks, and so on).

Production residencies: these residencies are aimed at more experienced artists and the end goal to produce art. Artists are accommodated on site at the inn and benefit from original work spaces (such as the old gymnasium, the convent's interior gardens and the cloister rooms). Every year, Espace Croisé hosts a production residency for an artist or artists' collective.

International virtual residencies: “Yet to com(e)"
These residencies were created during the pandemic to overcome the restrictions linked to the closing of borders.
Yet to com(e) is a creative residency project which originated from a simple idea: can we take advantage of global confinement and work online with people all over the world?
Yet to .com(e). is a call for applications from artists wishing to take part in a virtual creative residency in partnership with other international cultural players and the embassies of the countries involved.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

- Original workspaces and a room in the former monastery inn,
- pay, copyright royalties and funding to cover production costs,
- payment of expenses,
- technical and logistical assistance,
- professional networking,
- exhibition, publication and any other form of event defined by the nature of the project.

DURATION

Residencies range from 2 months to 1 year, depending on the programme. Return visits are possible. All residencies are subject to the procurement of subsidies and to the research of dedicated funding.

SELECTION PROCESS

Depending on the programme, artists are selected via:
 - an open call for applications which is circulated throughout professional contemporary art networks. A cover letter, digital portfolio and CV must be provided. 
 - nominations - invitation only 

CONSIDERATION FOR RESIDENTS' FAMILY LIFE

- Original workspaces and a room in the former monastery inn,
- pay, copyright royalties and funding to cover production costs,
- payment of expenses,
- technical and logistical assistance,
- professional networking,
- exhibition, publication and any other form of event defined by the nature of the project.

RESIDENTS' COMMITMENTS

The aim of the residency is to develop and maintain links with the geographical and historical area in which it takes place, whilst also in keeping with the artist’s project.
Artists agree to live in the host structure for the duration of their stay and are therefore asked to take care of the premises.
At the end of their stay, a discussion is organised so that both the art centre and the artist can share and evaluate their experiences. 

ACTIVITIES AIMED AT THE PUBLIC

Depending on the programme, artists may be asked to run workshops or take part in meetings with the public. It is also possible to conceive projects such as meetings, conferences and workshops at the end of the residency.