Built by artists for artists in 1875, Atelier 11 is the last surviving studio of the historic artist community of Cité Falguière in the Montparnasse district of Paris. In the early 20th century, Cité Falguière became a vibrant hub, hosting over hundred French and international artists, including renowned figures of modern art such as Joseph Bernard, Constantin Brâncuși, Tsuguharu Foujita, Paul Gauguin, Amedeo Modigliani, and Chaïm Soutine. While much of Cité Falguière was lost to urban renewal in the 1960s, Atelier 11 endured thanks to its last remaining artist resident, Mira Maodus. In 2021, the community was revitalized by two nonprofit Associations, L’AiR Arts and Cité Falguière, which established the International Arts Research Residency. Recognized as a heritage site in 2023, Atelier 11 continues its 150-year legacy, by welcoming artists and cultural professionals from all over the world.

L’AiR Arts is a not-for-profit association established in 2016 with a mission to support intercultural exchange through international arts residency programs, welcoming artists and cultural professionals from around the globe. The Cité Falguière Association, established in 1989, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Cité Falguière. Based at Atelier 11 Cité Falguière, the two associations and their international network of artists, art historians, and cultural professionals work closely together to continue the living heritage of Atelier 11 as one of the oldest international artist residencies in the world still in operation. Committed to contemporary practice within a historical perspective, they host self-directed residencies, group programs, partner initiatives, and public events. Extensive rehabilitation is planned to allow the site to serve as a multidisciplinary and experimental platform for contemporary projects while preserving the spirit of this quintessential Montparnasse artist studio.