Fondation Fiminco

Benefits: to have a studio and a room to sleep 'for free', 45min from Paris. The first two weeks there is a paper in their plotter. Challenges: the 'technical studios' which instead of being available full time as they state in the open call are only once a week, the constant pressure of the residency to be a social worker instead of an artist, and the harassment against any one who complains. Also to be requested to be present when politicians pass by during the residence's publicity moments as if it's a circus (they sell the concept of a cultural neighborhood to other cities), the treatment of artists as 'parasites' who are supposed to 'owe' to the foundation because of their 'generosity'. Costs vs. Gains: wouldn't do it again nor recommend.