The aim behind this is not only to export French art but also for the artists to take in the country's culture. "We follow the tradition of the Villa Médicis, but in a completely revamped approach." Says Philippe Étienne, the French ambassador to the United States. "The residents will immerse themselves in the life of the places that welcome them."
Some of the artists will travel the country, looking to experience different aspects of American culture, like Quentin Zuttion, a comic book writer, who will travel by train from New York to Los Angeles to try and understand the concept of the Prom Queen tradition. Photographer Nicholas Floc'h will sail the Mississippi River trying to catch the changing colours of water.
New York, Washington, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco are the cities that will host the project.
The initiative will be financed through private donations at a cost of up to $1.2M per year.
