FITH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF MONUMENTAL/LIFE-SIZE STONE OR IRON SCULPTURE

The symposium of stone sculpture (*Tercé limestone) or metal is organised by the association « Committee Mains d’art »

En 2025, it will only allow women in order to honour the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hélène BERTAUX, Artist of the 19th century. In 1881, she created “the Union of the Women Painters and Sculpters” in order to allow women to access to artists status. After a long fight, women will be at last admitted to the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Art en 1897 and will be able to participate to the Prix de Rome.

* The Symposium opening will take place on the Friday 4 July 2025 at 19:00 followed by an aperitlf offered by the Municipality

 The selected artists will compulsory have to be present for this opening event evening

WORK CONDITIONS – INSURANCE

* The symposium starts at 7pm on Friday, 4th July 2025

* The association will supply :

- For stone sculptures : the sided blocks of *Tercé limestone (86800) (Hardness MOHS : 3,5 - Density Kgs/m3 : 2,050 ), (200*80*80).

- For metal sculptures : the metal necessary for the project

* The sculptors will work in the presence of the public, in the “gîte de la Métairie” (Saint-Michel-de-Chavaignes).

* Their questions will be part of the animation of the symposium, helping the meeting the public & answering the public to understand & discover the art of sculpting.

* The use of electrical tools is permitted.

* The sculptors will supply their own personal equipment, in particular their own diamond cutting discs or the welding station.

* A compressor will be available for general use.

* The sculptors are expected to be present on site every day from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm minimum.

* The Symposium will take place regardless of the weather conditions.

* Sunday, 20th July : closing ceremony with the presentation of diplomas to the sculptors for their participation. The presence of the sculptors is compulsory for this event.

 * The lady sculptors will be allowed one rest day per week.

RESPONSABILITY

* The artist works on his site under his own responsibility and ensures the safety of those around him.

* The selected sculptors must provide a certificate of Professional Civil Liability insurance and all documents ensuring their socia security.

MEALS – ACCOMMODATION – EXPENSES

* Meals (breakfast + 2 meals a day) as well as accommodation will be provided by the Committee Mains d'Art from 4 July to 20 July, 2025 (possibility of accommodation until Monday, 21 July). Participants should indicate if they have any special dietary requirements.

* Personal expenses such as telephone calls, drinks not provided with meals, etc will be for the charge of the participants.

* No assistant or accompanying people will be admitted.

HOW TO APPLY:

* Applications are free.

 * The deadline for registering applications is fixed for the 15th october 2024.

* Applications by post should be addressed to the Association (address at the top of these regulations). Applications by email will also be accepted.

* Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Your application must include the following :

* A copy of these Regulations, signed & dated, constituting a commitment to participation in the symposium for its duration in case of selection.

* Your CV giving your personal information such as address, telephone numbers, etc.

* A sketch or photograph of your project.

* A short text explaining the creativity and motivation for a sculptor.

* Some photographs, press cuttings & references representative of all aspects of your work as a sculptor with stone or with metal.

* Photograph(s) of at least one monumental/life-size sculpture you’ve already made.

SELECTION OF CANDIDATES

* The Association Mains d'Art will nominate a Selection Committee consisting of artists & members of the Association to choose the five candidates.

* The list of candidates selected, will be available around End of otober 2024 on the Association’s web site (http://www.mains-d-art.fr) and by email.

* The organisers reserve the right to change the number of participating sculptors.

INDEMNITIES

 * Each sculptor will receive an indemnity of 2,500 (two thousand) Euros at the end of the symposium.

 * Expenses in relation to distance travelled from sculptor’s place of residence to St Michel de Chavaignes, will be paid only on production of original documentation (receipts for fuel/public transport/road tolls, etc.) and up to a limit of 400 Euros.

 * No other expenses will be considered.

EXHIBITION

* Each sculptor will have the possibility of making his or her work known by exhibiting several sculptures in a showroom run by the volunteers. The exhibition will be open to the public during normal opening hours. The sculptors will be responsible for the installation of their sculptures. The exhibition will end on 20th July 2025.

* The Association Mains d'Art disclaims all responsibility relating to damage or theft of the works of art during the exhibition.

 * Sculptors are requested to insure their exhibits both for the exhibition and for transport

DEPOSIT

* All artists selected must send a cheque for 400 Euros to confirm their participation. The cheque will be returned at the end of the Symposium. In case the artist cannot do his or her work because of their absence, or lack of seriousness in his or her work, or for any other reason, the contract of commitment will be terminated immediately, The artist’s cheque cashed and the accommodation & meals provided terminated. In the case of absence for valid reasons and with documentary evidence (death, disease, etc) the cheque will be returned.

COPYRIGHT AND RIGHTS (IP) OF THE AUTHORS

* The sculptures produced will be the property of the Committee Mains d’Art, with the sculptor’s authorisation.

 * The projects, the models, as well as the possible publication of photos of the sculptures for information, advertising or publishing, will become the property of the organising Association « Mains d’art ». A contract of transfer of copyright will be signed by the artist who will keep only his or her moral right.

* During & after the symposium, the sculptors agrees to the making and distribution of photos, movies or other media.

For further information: www.mains-d-art.fr or contact@mains-d-art.fr