BACKGROUND

The 2009 program for architects will begin on the 2nd of July in Paris with seminars and visits over 3 days, which will prepare the students for the following weeks in Fontainebleau. From the 5th of July to the 2nd of August, workshops, lectures, visits and studios will be in and around the Chateau Fontainebleau. A 3-day trip around the French countryside will acquaint students with some of the finest masterpieces of French art and architecture, both historic and contemporary.

SETTING

Located 60 kilometers southeast of Paris, the Chateau Fontainebleau is designated as a Unesco World Heritage site. The Chateau, a former residence of both kings and emperors, was built on the premises of a royal hunting lodge erected prior to the 12th century. For over 700 years the site has displayed the most glowing example of French architecture, sculpture, painting, decorating and landscaping. This serves to justify the title that Napoleon gave to the Chateau: “The House of the Centuries“. Student housing and restaurants are in the town of Fontainebleau, which is surrounded by one of the most beautiful forests in France.

PROGRAM

During the past 85 years, The Fontainebleau Schools have brought together different artistic disciplines in order to explore new ways of seeing, thinking and making architecture. The presence of the American Conservatory represents a remarkable opportunity for the design students to explore the relationship between architecture and music, develop collaborative projects with composers, or simply enjoy listening to rehearsals and concerts. Architecture and music students live, dine, and work together. Housing and meals are provided within walking distance from the Chateau. In addition to artistic pursuits, a variety of French social, cultural activities are arranged for both architecture and music students.

STUDENT SELECTION

Students are recruited from around the world with a majority coming from US Universities. Selection criteria are based on application materials, portfolio works and references. Each year the school selects between 15 and 25 Fine Arts students with diverse backgrounds and aptitudes. The common denominator is an ability to conceptualize and to communicate easily through drawing and visual media.

ELIGIBILITY

CREDITS

Most universities grant academic credits for courses offered at Fontainebleau--each institution determines the number of credits. Fontainebleau issues a certificate at the end of the program. School credit value in the US has varied between institutions and students. Each of the first four weeks includes 1.0 studio credit, 30 hours/week and 0.3 lecture or field trip credits, 5 hours/week. The field trips are worth 0.8 credit. The total credit value has been estimated at 6.0 units. Transcripts are furnished to the students at their request or at the request of their institutions.

LANGUAGE

All courses and design studios are held in English, but French is often spoken and translated during lectures, visits and juries.

THE FIRST PRIZE FELLOWSHIP

Culminating the five-week program, the “Premier Prix de l’Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Fontainebleau” will be awarded. This Fellowship gives the recipient the opportunity to join the faculty during the following summer session as a teaching assistant and subsequently to spend three months in the heart of Paris with a studio at the Cité Internationale des Arts. Previous Premier Prix recipients include Ron Witte (83), Tom Sheehan (85), Christine Reinke (88), Paul Lewis (91), Amanda Sachs (99), Garth Goldstein (04), Nicholas Quiring (05), Ben Martinson (06), Chiew-Hong Tan (07) and Wendy Fok (08). Other Fontainebleau alumni include Charles Moore (56), William Turnbull (56) and Tony Tappe.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

A few scholarships and partial financial aid are available through specific request. Their attribution is based on justified financial need as well as academic merits. The quality of the application materials plays an important role in financial assistance.