Exile, war and creativity: images of resistance at the service of history (2024–2026)

The Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme is pleased to organise a presentation day for the project “Exile·s, war·s and creation·s: images of resistance at the service of history”, which was selected under the “Arts & SHS” 2024–2026 call for proposals.

At the intersection of research in the humanities and social sciences and artistic creation, this project focused on the study of media, artistic and cinematic images produced in the context of contemporary conflicts, particularly in situations of exile. It also aimed to support contemporary artistic creation by highlighting the work of filmmakers and visual artists who are refugees in France, forced into exile by military or political conflicts.

Through screenings, study days, debates and interviews with the artists, the project facilitated encounters between researchers, creators and the public. It also explored the concept of the artist in exile, the conditions under which these creators are received in France, and the specific characteristics of artistic practices developed in contexts of forced displacement.

This presentation day will showcase the project’s main findings and achievements. The various panels will highlight research focusing on Iranian visual arts and cinema in exile, film schools in war-torn countries, and the career paths of filmmakers and visual artists who have sought refuge in France. These will be interspersed with screenings, excerpts from filmed interviews and discussions with the artists, followed by a concluding round-table discussion on the challenges of artistic creation in exile.