L'AiR Arts Association

What L'AiR Arts Association does

L'AiR Arts Association is a French nonprofit association (loi 1901) founded in 2016 and headquartered at Atelier 11 Cité Falguière in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. The organization operates an International Arts Research Residency at Atelier 11, a building constructed in 1875 that is the last surviving atelier of the historic Cité Falguière artists' community and is associated with the École de Paris movement and past residents including Modigliani, Soutine, Brâncuși, Gauguin, and Foujita. Since launching its pilot residency in August 2021, L'AiR Arts has hosted nearly 70 artists and cultural professionals from over 35 countries during 2021-2023, with the cumulative network reaching over 200 professionals from approximately 40 countries.

The organization's core offerings include individual self-directed residencies (Atelier 11 Art Residency), curated group programs, Paris-based professional residencies, and a Partner Residency Program for cultural, academic, and arts institutions to sponsor candidates. Ancillary products include the Art Program for Children & Youth, Atelier 11 for Solidarity (supporting artists from conflict-affected areas), private experiences (Historical, Contemporary Art, Architectural, and École de Paris Visits), Patron Residencies (2-3 night stays), and the Cité Falguière Residents Archive. The technology stack is standard nonprofit tooling — MailChimp for newsletter distribution, Dropbox for application intake, HelloAsso and Eventbrite for payments, and Google/Meta pixels for advertising — with no proprietary technology platform.

L'AiR Arts operates on a diversified nonprofit revenue model: (1) residency program fees from partner institutions and self-funded artists; (2) tax-deductible donations via domestic channels (HelloAsso) and cross-border channels (Fondation de France TGE network, Myriad Canada, Friends of Fondation de France US 501(c)(3)); (3) public grants (€275,000+ secured from Mission Patrimoine, Île-de-France Region, and City of Paris between 2022 and 2025); and (4) private events, visits, and Patron Residencies at Atelier 11. Customer acquisition is primarily event-driven via two annual open-call deadlines (October 31 and April 30), complemented by community-led referrals from a 200+ alumni network spanning 40 countries.

Name

L'AiR Arts Association

Legal name

L'AiR Arts

Website

https://lairarts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

L'AiR Arts Association is a French nonprofit operating the Atelier 11 Cité Falguière International Arts Research Residency in Paris, hosting individual artists, curated group programs, and institutional partner residencies for international artists and cultural professionals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Arts Residency Services

NAICS

Historical Sites (71212), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Art Galleries & Exhibition Spaces (Commercial & Nonprofit) (THAJADAH)

Keywords

• Artist residency programs
• International arts exchange
• Heritage preservation
• Cultural residency services
• Arts education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Residency Program Fees: Partner institutions and individual artists pay for residency programs. Cultural, academic and arts institutions worldwide sponsor residents through the Partner Residency Program, covering costs associated with the residency. Full and partial scholarships as well as self-funded options are available.
2. Donations and Philanthropic Support: The organization relies on donations from private patrons and corporate sponsors. Donations are tax-deductible in France. International giving is facilitated through partnerships with Fondation de France, Myriad Canada (KBF Canada), and Friends of Fondation de France (USA 501(c)(3)). The organization also accepts in-kind donations of construction materials, equipment, furniture, art supplies, and art works.
3. Experiences and Private Events: Atelier 11 is available for private group visits, events, and experiences. Options include Historical Visits, Contemporary Art Visits, Architectural Visits, Ecole de Paris Experiences, and Residency for Art Patrons (2-3 night living residencies). Scheduling is subject to availability with conditions upon request.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

L'AiR Arts Association operates an international arts research residency at the historic Atelier 11 in Paris, providing residency programs (self-directed, curated, professional, and patron-track) for individual artists. The association also offers guided cultural visits and educational programs for children, schools, and the broader public, centered on the heritage-listed atelier and its connection to the École de Paris.

Product overview

L'AiR Arts operates Atelier 11 Cité Falguière as an International Arts Research Residency, offering multiple residency programs including individual self-directed residencies (Atelier 11 Art Residency), curated group programs (L'AiR Arts Curated Professional Program), Paris-based professional residencies, and institutional partner residencies. The portfolio also includes visitor experiences (Historical, Contemporary Art, Architectural, and Ecole de Paris Visits), specialty programs for children and youth, and the Atelier 11 for Solidarity initiative supporting those affected by conflict. All programs are connected through the shared mission of intercultural exchange and the preservation of the historic École de Paris legacy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Atelier 11 Self-Directed Art Residency Self-directed residency program for individual international artists at the historic Atelier 11 in Paris, allowing artists to pursue their own creative or research projects in a heritage-listed atelier linked to the École de Paris. Available with scholarships, partial subsidies, or self-funded options.
• L'AiR Arts Curated Professional Program Curated residency program for professional artists, designed in collaboration with a curator or partner, providing structured artistic engagement and exposure within the Atelier 11 environment.
• Residency for Paris-based Professionals Residency track tailored for artists and creative professionals already based in Paris, offering access to the Atelier 11 workspace and community.
• Partner Residency Program Customized residency offered in partnership with universities, foundations, museums, and other cultural institutions that wish to sponsor or co-organize residency opportunities for their affiliated artists or students.
• Art Program for Children & Youth Educational art program for children and youth, offered in collaboration with schools and educational groups, providing workshops and visits centered on the historic atelier and contemporary artistic practice.
• Atelier 11 for Solidarity Solidarity-focused program supporting artists and community members facing hardship, including refugees and those in need, through subsidized access to the atelier and its resources.
• Solidarity Canteen Community canteen initiative offering meals and social support, integrated with the association's broader solidarity programming at Atelier 11.
• Atelier 11 Visits Guided cultural visits to Atelier 11 for individual visitors and small groups, offered in multiple thematic formats including a historical visit, a contemporary art visit, an architectural visit, and an École de Paris experience. Available for direct booking.
• Residency for Art Patrons Residency track designed for art patrons and philanthropists who wish to personally support and participate in the residency experience at Atelier 11.
• Private Project or Event Bespoke private hire of Atelier 11 for private projects, corporate events, or special occasions, with customized programming and access to the historic venue.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 70 artists and cultural professionals from over 35 countries welcomed during 2021-2023 pilot program
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• gh3 (Toronto-based architecture firm)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading the architectural design for Atelier 11 restoration. Canadian firm recognized with over 40 significant design awards. Translated artists' needs for interior renovations into preliminary concept for the three-level, multi-functional contemporary space.
• TNT Architecture (France)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench firm developing the PRO phase of the Atelier 11 restoration project and responsible for project management.
• Studio Gang (USA/France)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerParis branch of American firm providing expertise as artistic advisor for the Atelier 11 restoration project.
• FREAKS (France)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench architecture and design firm providing expertise as artistic advisor for the Atelier 11 restoration project.
• Fondation du PatrimoinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrance's Heritage Foundation led by Stéphane Bern. Operating the Mission Patrimoine program that awarded €105,000 for façade restoration. Providing heritage architect Jean-Louis Martinot-Lagarde for restoration advice. Hosted crowdfunding campaign for Atelier 11 rehabilitation project.
• Association Cité FalguièrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinating the rehabilitation project of Atelier 11 with L'AiR Arts. Partnership launched Atelier 11 for Solidarity initiative (2022). Collaborating on Montparnasse International umbrella initiative.
• Columbia Global Paris CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with L'AiR Arts and Association Cité Falguière to create Montparnasse International umbrella initiative. Hosting Global Symposium at Reid Hall (November 13-14, 2026).
• Paris MuséessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of Paris museums providing research opportunities and institutional support for resident artists.
• Giacometti InstitutesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerReference place for Alberto Giacometti's work, offering research opportunities for L'AiR Arts residents studying École de Paris history.
• Paris College of ArtsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic institution partner. Chair of Fine Arts department developed educational programming. Collaboration on art programs including Magical Creatures Workshop.
• Parsons Paris (The New School)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic institution partner. Art historian Dr. Stéphanie Nadalo serves as professor and President of Cité Falguière Association. Featured on France 24 segment about Cité Falguière.
• Centre PompidousupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor French cultural institution providing research access and institutional support for resident artists.
• Fondation CartiersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural foundation partner providing institutional support for resident artists.
• Aeris Körper Contemporary DancesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanadian contemporary dance company co-founded by alumna Mayumi Lashbrook. Provided generous support for Borders, Borderlands and Crossings virtual residency.
• Palazzo MontisupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian cultural institution that developed partnership with L'AiR Arts during 2021-2022 inaugural year.
• Espace Frans KrajcbergsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerContemporary Art Center for Art & Nature in Montparnasse. Cultural place of the City of Paris providing research opportunities for residents.
• Université de KentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK academic institution that developed partnership with L'AiR Arts during 2021-2022 inaugural year.
• Galerie Huit (Arles)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGallery in Arles that developed partnership with L'AiR Arts. Alumni presented work at Les Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles.
• BBC ArtssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssisted BBC Arts in filming special episode on Modigliani and his life at Cité Falguière (BBC iPlayer, Fake or Fortune Series 10).
• Embassy of France / Institut français du JaponsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported the TBS National Japanese television film about Atelier 11 as emblematic studio for French and Japanese artists, part of exhibition at National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo.
• ArtpoolsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative endeavor for Atelier 11. Curators' blog featuring On Site NFT fundraiser to support Atelier 11 restoration and intercultural exchange continuation.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten: Two-year international artist residency in Amsterdam serving ~50 artists annually from around the world. Directly comparable as a long-running, internationally curated residency program with research focus and institutional partnerships with major European museums.
• ISCP (International Studio & Curatorial Program): New York-based nonprofit residency supporting international artists and curators. Comparable to L'AiR Arts as a fee-free open-call residency model serving cultural professionals from around the world with institutional partnerships and public programming.
• Yaddo: Historic artists' colony in Saratoga Springs, NY, hosting 200+ artists annually across disciplines. Comparable to L'AiR Arts as a heritage-sited residency with philanthropic funding model, public programming, and a heritage-based mission anchoring a contemporary artist community.
• Triangle Network: International association of artist residencies and visual arts organizations. Comparable to L'AiR Arts in mission and operational model — supporting cross-border artist mobility, exchange, and residency programming through a network of independent organizations.
• Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture: Maine-based nine-week summer residency program for visual artists with 100+ year history. Comparable to L'AiR Arts as a heritage arts residency with philanthropic support, institutional partnerships, and a long-running mission of professional development for artists.
• La Ruche: Historic Parisian artists' residence in the 14th arrondissement, originally built for the 1900 Exposition. Comparable to L'AiR Arts as a heritage artist atelier with deep Montparnasse-era roots; explicitly mentioned alongside Atelier 11 as a Label Patrimoine d'intérêt régional recipient in Paris.
• Cité Internationale des Arts: Paris-based artist residency with 300+ studios across multiple sites, hosting international artists and cultural professionals. Most direct comparable in terms of international artist residency operations in Paris; differentiates from L'AiR Arts through scale and multi-building footprint versus L'AiR's single heritage atelier.
• Palazzo Monti: Italian artist residency in Brescia housed in a historic palazzo, hosting international emerging artists through curated programs. Comparable as a heritage-sited residency with international partnerships — Palazzo Monti is also an explicit L'AiR Arts partner (developed partnership in inaugural year).
• Fonderie Darling: Montreal-based artist residency and exhibition center in a converted industrial heritage building. Comparable to L'AiR Arts as a heritage-sited residency hosting international artists and curators with public programming, exhibitions, and heritage preservation mission.

Broad incumbents

• Casa de Velázquez: French Academy in Madrid under the Ministry of Higher Education, supporting artists and researchers with residencies and research programs. Comparable as a French state-affiliated residency supporting international cultural exchange and research, though operating at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/lairarts
• Facebookfacebook.com/lairarts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/l-air-arts-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about L'AiR Arts Association