Moly-Sabata, Artist residency and cultural center in Sablons, France.
Moly-Sabata is a large building on the bank of the Rhône in Sablons, Isère, run as an artist residency. Its long facade has a pale beige upper wall above a grey lower section, with turquoise-shuttered windows and a small projecting metal balcony with a decorative railing. It was first a boatmen's relay and later a convent.
Albert Gleizes and Juliette Roche founded this residency in 1927 as a retreat for artists wanting to develop their work away from urban centers. The project emerged from a broader movement seeking to connect artistic creation with craft traditions and community living.
The place served as a gathering point for artists seeking to escape city life and continues to host exhibitions featuring works created by resident practitioners. This approach links artistic production with public engagement, making contemporary creative work visible to visitors.
Visitors can arrange appointments in advance to tour the studios and see current exhibitions on the grounds. Planning ahead and contacting staff ensures you can time your visit to coincide with active programming or artist activities.
Moly-Sabata is the oldest artists' residency still operating in France, founded in 1927 and running for over 90 years. From 1930 to 1951 the Australian painter Anne Dangar directed it and became a ceramicist there. In 2016, 33 artists stayed at the residency.
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