Finis terrae - Centre d’art insulaire

Finis terrae - Centre d'art insulaire develops unique residency programmes based on the island of Ushant. With the aim of enabling the production of reflective works and artistic pieces linked to the surroundings, the annual residency programme enables French and foreign artists to stay at the Créac'h semaphore, which is the property of the Departmental Council of Finistère. Expeditions organised with residents’ projects in mind also provide opportunities for residencies, exposure and collaborations on the Ponant islands, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and, more broadly, in the maritime environment and on the coastline, in both Finistère and around the world. Through tackling matters related to the sea, isolation, the landscape, insularity and local culture, Finis terrae - Centre d'art insular, floating, finisterian and worldwide, encourages residents to travel and take a step back from their daily lives, both of which are essential to the development of artistic research and practice.

© Marcel Dinahet

Finis Terræ welcomes artists, theorists, art critics, exhibition curators and any individual whose research falls within the field of the visual arts. Collaborations with researchers in the physical and natural sciences, for example, is also possible. Our residencies are open to foreign artists and we regularly work in collaboration with local schools and art centres in the area and around the world. Depending on the context and the partners involved, we also work on regional development. We also provide support during the post-production phases of film production. The guest-host partnerships provide the framework of all discussions and are fundamental to the sharing of experiences and creations. Each project is developed for and alongside the resident being hosted.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Each resident is paid during their residency, the amount of which depends on its format and context. The allocation of funding with regards to production costs, travel expenses and per diem for long-distance travel is also dependent on these two factors. 
For month-long formats, the minimum amount awarded to residents is €2,000 and the minimum amount provided to cover production costs is €1,000, depending on specific partnerships.
Support is provided by the team before and after the residency. During the residency, the resident is left to his/her/their own devices. Each resident is accompanied beforehand to help them prepare for their visit; they are sent a welcome booklet before the signing of the residency contract so that they can plan their arrival accordingly. As each area is unique and often far-flung, specific details are provided depending on the period of residency and the particularities of the area.

DURATION

Each residency lasts for 1 month at the Créac'h semaphore in Ushant.

SELECTION PROCESS 

We do not discriminate against age or background. Due to the significant volume we receive, we are unfortunately unable to respond to all speculative applications. 

CONSIDERATION FOR RESIDENTS' FAMILY LIFE 

Depending on the project, location and context, we welcome families and pregnant women.
Due to the particularly unusual conditions of some of our residencies (isolated islands, sometimes without running water, on scientists' working sites, on boats, during storms, etc.), and precisely in the case of unsuitable or even hostile environments and situations (far away, difficult to access, harsh, cold, derelict, dangerous, no childcare available, etc.), children, spouses and pregnant women cannot be invited. When we are able to welcome guests, we do our utmost to make their stay as comfortable as possible. 
In order for the resident to take full advantage of the programme and to concentrate on their work, we ask that children are accompanied by an additional adult. What is more, as our residencies do not last more than a month, please note that any financial costs incurred by the hosting of family members are borne by the guest resident.
Depending on the requirements of the resident, the partner(s), the location(s) and the context, we try to find the right time frame for hosting the family (children and/or spouse), and often have to make adjustments to the programme (depending on school holidays,  times of year, etc.).

RESIDENTS' COMMITMENTS

Residents undertake to work on a specific area of the island and cover, within the scope of their work, their relationship to isolation and insularity during their month-long stay.

ACTIVITIES AIMED AT THE PUBLIC 

Finis Terræ organises screenings, exhibitions, conferences, meetings, etc. at its partner establishments. Exhibitions have already been held in collaboration with Passerelle - contemporary art centre in Brest, le Quartier contemporary art centre in Quimper, the Lighthouses and Beacons Museum in Ushant, le Frac Bretagne (a public collection of contemporary art in Rennes), Diagonale - a contemporary art centre in Montréal, Carpintarias - a multidisciplinary art centre in Lisbon, vaga - a space dedicated to art and knowledge in Portugal, the Saint-Briac Festival, the Binic-Étables sur mer gallery, the SPA (Heritage Preservation Organisation of the Archipelago) in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, ...
Three bilingual (French - English) catalogues, covering residencies and projects which took place from 2008 to 2012, 2013 to 2018, 2019 to 2022, were published in 2013, 2019 and 2023.