Presentation

ARTS au CENTRE exists to promote over the world fine artists and arts crafts professions, particularly the creators from the Region Centre (Loire Valley) in France.

Arts and Crafts, whatever the medium of their expression, have a strong potential for development. They are, and always have been, an essential element the French culture. Beyond this reflection of traditions, they convey an image of excellence, wich symbolically illuminates economic life as well.

The International Art Market and that of decoration present a large panel of outlets and prospects for these creators.

Asked for their opinions on the following subjects :

84% of craft workers replied that they would like help in distributing their products
68,8% were looking for help to export their work
64,4% were looking for promotional support

Fine artists expressed similar opinions.

Solutions must be initiated in terms or support for these professions, wich are far from out of touch with customers's expectations.

Wiser with this knowledge, Marie-Hélène BLOT, former student and diploma of the Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs's, school in Paris – working as a fine arts dealer since 1985 - initiated ARTS au CENTRE and his project in december 2004.

ARTS au CENTRE is a non-profit-making organization based in Blois. This project and his activities are supported by the Social Europen Founds and the local authorities.

You are Fine Artists or art's craft workers...

qualified in professionalisation approach
or bearing an artistic project but facing difficulties in integration
or professionals in search of a local relay

...ARTS au CENTRE has been created for you !

How does it work ?

The technical resources :

As today, by gathering creators on the website and start to work on their international market promotion.

Tomorrow, by opening an show-room/shop open 6/7 days.

And then ,... by setting up around the show-room (like a village), individual studios-workshops, residents studios-workshops and guest workshops.

The Human resources :

Today, Marie-Hélène Blot is meeting with the creators, supervising the website and developing activities.

Projected job creation in place : 2

Tomorrow, 3 more jobs in place : 1 salesperson/shop assistant, 1 communication assistant, 1 accountant secretary.

A non-profit-making association today, a cooperative society tomorrow, why ? Because Arts au Centre wishes to be part of a collective approach, replacing individual solutions with a frame organizing solidarity, mutualisation of means and sharing between men and women who set about working together.

You are a fine artist or an art and craft worker and you need assistance promoting, developing or exporting your work or your products ?

How to get a gallery on the website and why :

Today, for an annual fee of 150 euros ARTS au CENTRE guarantees :

1 - A personal gallery on the website and, if you wish, the option of re-routing all inquiries to your own personal services.
2 – The Membership statuts of ARTS au CENTRE
3 - The regular presentation of your work to :

International art market's professionals
Architects
Interior Decorators
Companies and Corporate structures
Local and public authorities
The general public

4 – Professionnals interlocutors to answer your questions, help you set your prices.

Do you wish to be relieved of your trade talks ?

ARTS au CENTRE will take care of negotiations for a fee equivalent to 15 %. or your wholesale price before taxes.

Do you need financial help for your project ?

ARTS au CENTRE can help you find a sponsor.

As soon as his treasury permits it ARTS au CENTRE will invest in the reproduction and distribution of your original work. In return, ARTS au CENTRE will pay you royaltie to 30% of sales price before taxes.

Tomorrow, the shop will allow you to have your work exhibited permanently and for free.

Later, project bearers will be able to rent individual workshops on site, for 3 years, with special conditions. (see sponsorship)

Join ARTS au CENTRE :

To benefit from Art au Centre's services please leave us a message (see form)
or send us a message + fiew pictures of your work by email at : arts-au-centre@wanadoo.fr
or send us a press-book by post at : Marie-Hélène Blot ARTS au CENTRE 11, rue Henri Sauvage, 41000 Blois. FRANCE

You wish to become a partner, sponsor an artist or become benefactor member ?

The partner bring financial support to Arts au Centre, who in return promises to display their visual identity and a link on every pages of the website (except the artists' personal galleries), as well as on all other media and during events.

Minimum input : 2000 Euros or equivalent

The sponsor help one of our artists to carry out his (or her) professional project. This help can consist in : Either a direct input concerning work equipment or premises (workshop) or a financial input to help with subcontract work (moulding, foundry, etc...). Once the project is carried through, the artist will give the sponsor one of his/her original pieces.

The benefactor member broadly support the association's activities by means of donations, legacies or various contributions leading Arts au Centre to enjoy special benefits, financial or else.

Funds paid by partners, sponsors and/or benefactor members are entirely reinvested into

ARTS au CENTRE running costs and the development of its activity
Creating and distributing by-products (copies of originals creations).

To joint us, use this form