Atelier des artistes en exil

atelier des artistes en exil (aa-e) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2017 to support refugee and asylum seeker artists in Paris. Initially inspired by meeting a series of high profile Syrian dramatists, directors and playwrights through 2015 as the war in Syria developed, they now work with fine artists, musicians, dancers, performers and fashion designers. Based in central Paris, members have access to artist studios, rehearsal rooms, video and photo studio, meeting rooms and fashion studios, safe and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their programme is designed to be holistic, including professional development, discussing practice and supporting artists’ networking and contact base, a course in learning the French language through art, as well as technical and therapeutic support. There are currently over 200 members. Each year aa-e presents Visions d’exil, a festival programme with partner venues across Paris which showcases the work of their members, providing a professional platform and supporting the development of networks and relationships for artists.