What you should know about HÖFN to-day...

Décembre 2017

The Association and writing residence HÖFN was born officially in 2007 (10 years already !), and opened its doors to our first resident (Caroline Duchatelet) in March 2009.

HÖFN, from the start, managed without any grant or subsidy, in order to be totally independant, to freely choose how it would function;
it had to find both its own identity and its own way(s) to survive and thrive (unpretentiously!),
but we (who created almost at the same time the « concept », and the place) asked immediately ourselves WHO would be « our » residents, from France or foreign countries.
We wanted to offer them a cosy place to live and work in, from which there would be much to explore,
a place opened to ALL, including young (or not so young!) students, researchers poets, writers, artists (…) with limited means... (See at the bottom of the page : Application)

Indeed, in 8 years, we almost did not raise (only 10 euros !) the contribution we asked for, to-day 490 euros a month per person -(550 euros for a couple)-
including all utilities (water, gas, electricity, internet), washing the residents’ clothes and the laundry they use in the residence,
AND what HÖFN offers (discovering - far away from the touristic paths- the neighbourhood, the town and its surroundings, giving practical infomation and advises about the daily life in our district and in Marseilles,
letting « our » residents know about all the cultural events that could be specially interesting for them during their stay..).

We make a point of honour not to raise the contribution we ask for. We want it to continue to be reasonable and fair.
It will be possible only if each and every one feels responsable for the place he (she) stays in, enjoying it fully and freely,
perfectly aware also that it is a community studio (and garden !) which has to remain, for all who’ll come, live and work at HÖFN in the future a snug, welcoming and pleasant « berth ».

We must also consider new circumstances in France : year on year we are facing gas, electricity and water bill rises.
To that shall we add our own thinking and awareness, may be more environmental than economic :
we must learn to use electricity, gas and water sparingly

especially water (but not only) !

At a time where in the South of France, (and in Marseilles) we bear the brunt of long and severe drought events,
we started multiplying, little by little at first, spontaniously now, small everyday gestures, new habits that lead to a restrained, judicious and conscious use of this critical resource : WATER !

Therefore, dear future residents, we call for your understanding and attentive listening
when Dominique, HÖFN coordinator, will give you shortly after your arrival advices and instructions (not so heavy but necessary!)
concerning water (cold and hot), electricity, heating (specially during winter), gas and rubbish (separate the rubbish for recycling, reducing waste).

The endurance of our -small- association HÖFN is at stake and depends on you, really!

THANKS TO YOU ALL!!

The board of the Association HÖFN

NB : This note is adressed first and foremost to those we call our residents (see above).
But it concerns just as much the housed artists and researchers or the HÔTEL DU NORD passengers when they stay at HÖFN for a long time (a week or more).
Of course, our prices are not exactly the same for them (we work in these cases with, or for partners),
but we do think that they still are moderate and fair, allowing us only to keep the place and garden in good condition and organise each year some cultural events (see Very Specific Events).