a dream. a story.
published in 2008 by YYZBOOKS in decentre, concerning artist-run culture /a propos de centres d'artistes.

"It took nine months from sketching the programmes, the idea of the whole thing, the website, networking, finding and renovating a location, hosting the first collective art residencies. Nothing would have happened without the generosity of my parents, the enthusiasm of friends and strangers I met on the journey. Everyone helped with what they had available: feedback, encouragement, design, working hands, programming, being around and make things happen. Little money has come from donors (local companies and friends) and nothing so far from funding bodies. I struggle with finding a strategy for sustainability, considering whether it would be appropriate to ask artists to participate in covering the lodging/meals/production costs while working here. On one side this would give us entire freedom to realize projects without depending on funding bodies - which implies following specific policies. On the other hand, in the spirit of hospitality I would like to be able to cover all the costs with funds we collect ourselves.

Another issue I struggle with is the lifestyle that I like to promote without imposing my vision on others. In my travels I have always looked for places that were radicaly different in culture and values, and with wide open eyes I tried to see how the people that hosted me dealt with their lives, their customs and rites, and to live like them for the period I was their guest. It's not about copying or not having my own vision, it's about real, felt observation. I would like to share this message, to create a place where visitors feel invited to explore in this way the centre and from here, the surrounding area; to leave a trace of their own creativity behind, as an organic connection that feeds future visitors, making a place that travels itself, through the imprints of the travelers that left a sign of their curiosity and knowledge behind. Can this dream become true and nourish others? Time will tell. You are welcome to get in touch and help."

:::: I have initiated morisena in Transylvania in 2007. The proposed projects can be transposed to any region of the world. For example, you could run a GangaNoModeproject in India, combining - and recycling - clothing elements collected from the villages along the Ganges with the creativity of a group of local & international artists and so on. For more ideas, take any of the projects and replace Transylvania with the name of the region where you live in and see what happens. Similar initiatives can be taken in all fields: culinary, dance, pottery, woodcraft, architecture etc.

I currently live in France and wish to find a location, where similar initiatives are being set up. My interest is to learn by experience, to offer the skills I have learned, and on a long term, find a location where morisena-like projects can happen. Permaculture, education, contemporary art projects, gardening, yoga, taijijuan, aromatic plants, eco-villages are subjects I'd love to get involved with. Please contact me if you wish to propose a collaboration.