Creation and development of a network of literary residencies in the Paca region
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region has many and varied places of residence for both literary and artistic creation. They do not operate in a uniform manner. This fully ensures their reach as well as the quality of productions from residences. These places are adapted to the different needs of artists and authors. However, fostering the emergence of a network of places of residence would make them more visible and attract more and more artists and creators.
In the field of literary creation, the State is working to consolidate the existing places of residence and to bring out new places.
The main aim is to have a structured and active network of places of residence in this specific area by the end of 2012.
The Regional Book Agency was already running an informal network to inform all creative residencies likely to host authors (it also published the Euro-Mediterranean repertoire of writer residencies, Writing in the Mediterranean). This new network will replace and strengthen the existing structure. Its main aim will be to represent the places of residence, to reinforce the existing place of exchange and information and to provide training for its members.
The actions undertaken – in order to work towards this objective – are of two kinds:
- to create new places of residence for literary creation, based either on the fabric of associations or on local authorities,
- develop a structure ensuring the functioning and animation of the network in close contact with the Regional Book Agency.
The principles used for residences are as follows:
- a residence based on a strong theme linked to the reality of the host territory,
- the selection and reception of an author is based on an annual call for proposals (a committee of qualified persons making the selection),
- the minimum duration of residence is two months,
- 70% of the residence time is devoted to creation, the remainder to dissemination; it can be split,
- the residence must extend over the territory.
Regarding the first action, two new writing residencies were created in 2011. The first is in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It concerns the reception of an author-illustrator for youth and takes place every year in the fall for three months. The place of reception is in Manosque within the Hotel Volland. Two associations ensure the follow-up. The second residency is for the reception of a playwright and is held every year in late autumn for two months. It takes place in the department of Var, in La Seyne-sur-Mer within the premises of the association Orphéon Théâtre intérieur which ensures the portage and operation of the residence.
In 2012, several new places should be created so that the entire regional territory is covered (each department thus having a literary creation residence).
In the Hautes-Alpes, a creative residency on comics will be launched during the first semester. The Departmental Loan Library will monitor and manage it.
In the Alpes-Maritimes, a creative residence following the Mouans-Sartoux book fair will also be created. It will no doubt be open to the humanities and social sciences.
Finally, the Nouvelles Hybrids association will ensure the development of a place of literary creation at the Tour d'Aigues in the department of Vaucluse. The theme of this residency will focus on the relationship between contemporary writing and orality.
As for the second action, in 2011, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs provided financial assistance to the association From authors to readers to ensure the functioning of the villa of authors' projects, the Marelle (on the site of the wasteland of the Belle de Mai in Marseille) and asking the association to promote the network of these six places of residence and to ensure its development in close collaboration with the Regional Book Agency (by integrating the pre-existing structure).
The offer of a place of reception by the end of 2012 will be significantly strengthened in the PACA region, the State will thus have provided clear support for literary creation.