Casa de Velázquez
A lively residence, constantly evolving and attentive to the world
Inaugurated in 1928 in the heart of Madrid's Cité Universitaire, Casa de Velázquez is a French institution that promotes international cooperation and academic, artistic and cultural exchanges.
It operates under the auspices of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space, and is part of the network of five French schools abroad, as well as the ¡Viva Villa! network of artist residencies
At the crossroads of research and creation
Since its creation, Casa de Velázquez has developed its activities around a unique model, supporting both contemporary artistic creation and scientific research in the humanities and social sciences.
It carries out this dual mission through the joint, coordinated action of its two components: the École des hautes études hispaniques et ibériques - EHEHI (scientific section) and theAcadémie de France à Madrid (artistic section). A multi-disciplinary team of some forty professionals works daily in the service of research and creation.
Place to live and work
In total, between its two sections, Casa de Velázquez welcomes and supports more than a hundred researchers and artists each year for periods ranging from a few months to a year. In addition, and in order to promote the work carried out within the institution, numerous events open to the public are offered throughout the year: exhibitions, screenings, concerts, meetings, seminars, colloquiums, etc.
The institution also has a research library specialising in the Iberian cultural area and a publications service that publishes around ten books per year.
A year at la Casa
Late October to late November: calls for applications for annual residencies for researchers and artists
Open House - Casa open to the public
Selection of future artists-in-residence and scientific researchers
Opening of the end-of-residency exhibition and concert by composers from Casa de Velázquez
Departure of artists-in-residence and scientific members
A residence for researchers and artists at the intersection of disciplines
Since its inception, Casa de Velázquez has enabled scientific research and artistic creation to coexist in the same place, making it a dynamic, human and international institution where disciplines feed off each other and drive each other towards excellence.
Focusing on the Iberian Peninsula, the Maghreb and the Atlantic world, the scientific policy of the Casa de Velázquez is embodied in the School of Hispanic and Iberian Studies (EHEHI) and its Institute of Advanced Studies. A research centre for the humanities and social sciences whose work is spread across some twenty multi-year programmes and a dozen archaeological projects, the EHEHI also welcomes nearly one hundred researchers each year for residency programmes. In addition, its extensive programme of scientific meetings makes the Casa de Velázquez one of the major hubs for research in the humanities and social sciences in the Iberian Peninsula, with several hundred researchers invited to participate in its activities throughout the year.
The art section of Casa de Velázquez, the French Academy in Madrid, is one of the largest residences for French artists abroad. Every year, around thirty artists come here to develop their projects during stays lasting from two to eleven months. Its range of disciplines covers the major fields of contemporary creation: drawing, engraving, sculpture, painting, architecture, musical composition, choreography, photography, cinema and video. Since 2021, the Casa de Velázquez has also been supporting artistic doctoral research through the project. It plays an essential role in promoting contemporary creation through a multitude of activities open to the public, in collaboration with numerous local and international entities.
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Without losing sight of the specific needs and contexts of each of its components, Casa de Velázquez, on the eve of its centenary, has placed hybridity back at the heart of its practices and identity. This structural and historical richness, which is unique in the world, is achieved through the coexistence and emulation of research and creative disciplines, but above all through the development of new cross-disciplinary tools and mechanisms. Today, the hybridity of Casa de Velázquez is reflected in the creation of specific research areas and programmes, an emphasis on hosting intrinsically hybrid projects in residence, and the implementation, within the programme of events, of activities jointly led by the two components of the institution.