In July 2023, the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation (IYMF) held its Artefora 2023 Residency at the serene Tapovan Centre in Normandy, France. This week-long artistic residency offered a rich opportunity to reflect, share, and synthesize experiences gathered over more than two decades of creative work by the IYMF and the MUS-E Network.

Drawing inspiration from past co-creation projects—such as Sharing All Voices and Voices for Tomorrow, both supported by the European Union—the residency brought together IYMF Ambassador Artists and MUS-E artists to exchange methodologies and explore best practices in artistic co-creation.

This gathering marked the first step toward developing a new Toolkit for Artistic Co-Creation, to be released by the end of the year. The toolkit will focus on three core themes: social inclusion, environmental awareness, and digital transition.

The week was filled with meaningful discussions, inspiring exchanges, and creative collaboration, all set against the peaceful natural backdrop of Tapovan. Highlights included:

• Insightful interventions from Kiran Vyas (Tapovan Centre) and Richard Dunne (The Harmony Project)

• Artist-led workshops focused on co-creation practices

• Music, creativity, and a beautiful sense of connection among all participants

This unique residency strengthened artistic bonds and laid the groundwork for future co-creative projects that align with IYMF’s mission of using the arts as a tool for social transformation. Full video of the experience here