Solidarity with the elderly
The national artists’ home (La maison nationale des artistes):
a place to stay for senior artists
Focused on providing accommodation for elderly authors and composers who are in need, dependent on others, or simply facing loneliness, the Comité du cœur offers three rooms at the Maison nationale des artistes in Nogent-sur-Marne, a rather unique retirement home steeped in history.
The Maison nationale des artistes, founded in 1945 and located in the town centre, 6 km outside Paris, is a care home for the elderly. It was created at the will of painter Madeleine Smith-Champion (1864−1940), and her sister Jeanne Smith (1857−1943), a photographer, in exchange for the bequest of their 10-hectare wooded estate, which they both wanted to be dedicated to “the creation of a retirement home for artists and writers”.
This retirement home, accessible regardless of income, has developed its own strategy around the concept of ageing well, supported by a safe artistic environment that allows residents to continue their creative activities. It is administered by the Fondation des Artistes, a recognized charity whose mission is to support visual artists throughout their careers.
Photo credits : Music room, Maison nationale des artistes © Fondation des Artistes. The Maison nationale des artistes from its grounds © Hervé Plumet – Fondation des Artistes.
“It is hardly surprising that the mutual aid association of authors and composers members of Sacem crossed paths with the Fondation des artistes, given the caring attention they show to artists every day. And when it came to supporting the Fondation des Artistes’ investment efforts in its Maison nationale des artistes, a retirement home for elderly creators, the Comité du cœur responded at once, finding in this partnership an opportunity for shared missions.”
— Laurence Maynier,
director of the Fondation des artistes
“My first contact with the Comité du Cœur goes back to 2016. That year, Françoise Mallet-Joris, who was my partner, my lyricist and a renowned writer, suffered a stroke and faced significant challenges. She needed to be placed in a nursing home that could provide her with daily care.
La Maison des Artistes, a top-range nursing home, allowed her to enjoy her final days with dignity and surrounded by kindness.
I am deeply grateful to the Comité du cœur, whose gentleness, support and generosity were exceptional and highly valued.”
— Marie-Paule Belle, author & performer
