MONTELASTER
Created as an artwork in the form of a collective movement, F.A.C.E. (French-American Creative Exchange) are 2 independent non-profit associations located in France and the US. Founded in 2001 by American artist Monte Laster, FACE France is based in Moulin Fayvon, a historical watermill located in the middle of the infamous housing projects known as ‘la cite des 4000’ in the northern suburbs of Paris. In 2015, he founded FACE-USA at the abandoned historical site known as Castle Rock Mountain in Santo, Texas along with friends, family and local residents.
Through collaboration with artists representing a variety of disciplines, F.A.C.E. endeavours to inspire and empower local urban communities by way of a creative, micro-political exchange. Interactive arts projects draw from their imagination and input in order to highlight social issues such as civic preservation and revitalization, education and progressive urban planning, all of which have a daily impact on local citizens.
From local residents to highly respected professionals in contemporary art, urban planning and architecture, FACE has the rare ability to bring together diverse groups of people from differing backgrounds. FACE also works on an international level, forging ties with cities that share similar urban complexities such as Harlem and the Bronx in New York.