Over twenty-five years ago, in 1990-1991 it was as an “observatory of new pedagogies” that an art school first opened its doors; part of its teaching on contemporary art was to be addressed to children during their school hours. The project would involve an entire generation in an ongoing encounter with the artists and artworks of their times. Ever since its founding, the Blois-Agglopolys art school has been developing an unparalleled project through which young publics are initiated to contemporary art. It has multiplied innovative pedagogical experiences with numerous artists. It has actively participated in the projects of nationwide institutions such as the Pompidou center and “children's” publishing houses such as éditions Milan. It has established numerous contacts with other art schools and artistic creation sites with programs similarly addressed to the young, not only in France, but also in foreign countries (Reggio Emilia, Italy; Valkeakoski, Finland. Existence on the same site of the Musée de l’Objet (1996-2011) lent additional credence to the original pedagogical project. Consisting in more than 130 works of art, the museum was built around the theme of the object in art during the 20th century; for 15 years, it provided Blois-Agglopolys art school students with exceptional artistic and historical material that could be put to work at any time; direct contact with the works of art was always possible. And now? The arrival of the Foundation of doubt and its collections epitomizing the Fluxus spirit has further dynamized the pedagogical contents.

Art & Experimentation

The above pedagogical practices in the plastic arts have led the Blois-Agglopolys art school to privilege experimentation, developing new relations between art and pedagogy, particularly as regards children. Each year, during school terms, the art school welcomes from 900 to 1500 nursery and elementary school pupils from the Blois-Agglopolys urban community who participate in artistic projects with artists and teachers. In addition, during 2012-2013, teaching for teenagers / students / adults involved more than 280 learners.