LE BAL

LE BAL is a non-profit organization dedicated to visual literacy through exhibitions, publishing and educational programs. Founded in 2010 by Raymond Depardon and Diane Dufour, in a world dominated by images, LE BAL's ambition is to enable its largely varied audiences to better apprehend the construction of images, whether photographs, videos, new media etc. Pioneer in establishing itself in the popular Northern area of Paris, LE BAL has created La Fabrique du Regard in 2008, two years prior to the opening of its exhibition space, choosing to put its educational programs and the access to visual literacy for all at the center of its DNA. With the support of public and private sponso... read more LE BAL is a non-profit organization dedicated to visual literacy through exhibitions, publishing and educational programs. Founded in 2010 by Raymond Depardon and Diane Dufour, in a world dominated by images, LE BAL's ambition is to enable its largely varied audiences to better apprehend the construction of images, whether photographs, videos, new media etc. Pioneer in establishing itself in the popular Northern area of Paris, LE BAL has created La Fabrique du Regard in 2008, two years prior to the opening of its exhibition space, choosing to put its educational programs and the access to visual literacy for all at the center of its DNA. With the support of public and private sponsors, La Fabrique du Regard works in underprivileged areas with 2000 children, teenagers and young adults per year with the objective of helping them to process and understand images. It has proven to be a valuable tool to raise their awareness and empower them as young citizens involved in their community. La Fabrique du Regard deploys 5 outreach programs per year with a common angle, based on LE BAL exhibition program; in 2019/20: Image & Geste - Image & Gesture. With almost 10 years of experience, la Fabrique du Regard is recognized for the significance of its educational process. It relies on a strong team of art historians, experts, professionals and artists qualified both for their transmission skills and their ability to conduct collective creative projects. Whatever the ages of youngster groups, all programs are organized along 3 major guidelines: - Image analysis - Experimentation of the production chain, circulation and reception of images - Involvement in a creative and collective project & production Through its visual literacy programs, La Fabrique du Regard has 3 main educational goals: - Value youngsters' ability to think and act as citizens - Encourage thoughtful, constructive and collective artistic practice - Reveal youngsters' voices in our society. In nearly a decade, La Fabrique du Regard has developed a solid network with the variety of players involved in the educational field in underprivileged areas. LE BAL educational team has witnessed the changes and evolutions in youngsters and educators needs. Among young people: a growing feeling of not being socially considered, not being listened. Among educators: the increasing lack of tools and frame to address social issues raised by images in a world dominated by images. This hands-on territory approach has enabled La Fabrique du Regard to continuously refine its methods, review its programs to acutely meet these needs. In 2016, La Fabrique du Regard has created its digital platform, ERSILIA, to further expand its educational processes and content.