Ecole supérieure d'art Pays Basque

The École supérieure d'art Pays Basque (ESAPB) is a public institution of higher art education located in the Pays Basque region, with activities spread between Bayonne and Biarritz. It was born from the merging of the art schools of these two towns and awards diplomas recognized by the ministère de la Culture, within the European LMD framework.

Training and diplomas

The main curriculum leads to the Diplôme National d'Art (DNA, licence level) in the Art option. After a first generalist year devoted to fundamentals — drawing, colour, volume, photography, video, art history and project methodology — students deepen a personal practice guided by artist-teachers and theorists.

Strengths

The school is characterized by its modest size, which fosters individualized guidance and direct access to technical workshops (volume, editing, image, sound, digital). Teaching combines studio practice, theoretical seminars, workshops with outside speakers, and public presentation sessions of the work produced.

Its cross-border location is an asset: proximity to Spain, exchanges and cooperation within the Basque cultural area, and international mobility such as Erasmus+. The school is also embedded in the local cultural fabric (contemporary art venues, festivals, museums of Bayonne and the Côte basque), with projects and exhibitions carried out in partnership.

Who is it for?

It suits candidates seeking a public school on a human scale, oriented towards building a personal artistic approach. Admission is based on an application file and an interview, with examination of art works.