Somme toute
14 MARCH 2025
13 former students of ESACM (Clermont Métropole Higher School of Art) opened this lively and ever-changing place with the support of their school. Here’s what we managed to learn about Somme toute from its founders
13 former students of ESACM (Clermont Métropole Higher School of Art) opened this lively and ever-changing place with the support of their school. Here’s what we managed to learn about Somme toute from its founders
We actively seek them out instead of just waiting for submissions. The key factor in our selection process is friendliness. You can often tell from a portfolio whether an artist is approachable or not.
How do you choose artists?
What is the mission of Somme Toute?
It constantly evolves—it's not the same as when we started. Now, we focus on helping new artists we meet, mostly those at the beginning of their careers. We guide them, showing them possible paths. We skip traditional application process, knowing how difficult and unpaid the process is. We want to be on equal terms with them.
We were a group of 13 students in art school. One day, some of us decided to create this space, and everyone agreed. We found a place, developed the concept, and our school supported us with administrative tasks and portfolio development to help us present ourselves. Our first exhibition here featured our diploma works.
How did the idea to create Somme Toute come about?
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We’d love to have more financial stability—or at least not have to pay rent. Right now, we can’t afford accommodations for visiting artists, so we host them in our own homes during residencies. We also want to organize another team workshop like the one we did this summer—to reflect, connect, and improve our work.
What are your future plans? What do you dream of?
It’s mostly positive. Many people happily attend our events and even ask to join our team. We haven’t received any major criticism, but we’re always open to it—it helps us grow. Maybe the fact that we have a large team helps minimize mistakes.
What kind of feedback do you receive?
One of our members did judo as a child! No, no—of course, that’s a joke. We can’t make it completely safe, but we strive to make it safer. Everyone knows that Somme Toute is a creative space for friendly people, so we rarely have problems. We also have strong ties to the art community, many people from that network come here.
How do you make your space safe and inclusive?
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There aren’t many disagreements now, but it was harder in the beginning. Four years without any major conflicts feels great! Also, you don’t have to work with friends just because they’re your friends. We’re open—some people leave, some come back. And honestly, there’s no art without emotions.
How do you handle disagreements within your team?
What inspires you to continue this project?
We’re friends, and we love seeing each other, coming here, and working on this together. It also helps us structure our weeks and maintain a rhythm. We’re lucky to have a space where we can invite people and create projects. We also hold reading sessions where we discuss books together.
We want to break it because we’ve noticed it creeping in. Fewer people outside our circle have been coming lately. We previously addressed this through collaborations, like with Lieu Dit, but now we need to work on it again. However, our prices remain very low—anyone can come, have a drink, or eat. We’re open to everyone.
How do you fight against elitism?
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When you receive funding from the government, you have to sign agreements and follow certain rules. For example, you might be required to display the French flag or meet other conditions.
Is it hard to work with the government?
Which places in Clermont inspire you the most?
La Tôlerie—it's a great place, and you always run into people you’re happy to meet. Also, the cathedral. And Lieu Dit—there's always something happening there, from concerts to meetings.
It’s very friendly and welcoming. People are always willing to help with your medium and projects, even online. The communication within the community is supportive, making it easier to work here. Life is already hard—let's not make it harder.
How would you describe the art community in Clermont?
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