Faber Andorra Residency Opens with Historian on Europe's Tiny States

The eighth edition of the Faber Andorra residency programme has begun at the Massana facility, welcoming six international creators and researchers from six nationalities across diverse fields including history, education, floral art, dance, interdisciplinary art, and sculpture.

British historian Jean-Michel Johnston launched the programme with his project on the survival of Europe's four smallest historic states—Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and San Marino. His research traces their histories from the French Revolution through the 20th century, examining how they endured amid nationalism, imperialism, and geopolitical shifts. Johnston, who speaks fluent Catalan learned from his family, will stay until 24 April, accessing the National Archive and Casa de la Vall, and meeting local historians. He will present his findings in a public session at the University of Andorra on 23 April at 10:30am, titled *Desafiar el destí* (*Defying Destiny*), exploring how these microstates challenge conventional narratives of contemporary European history.

Johnston highlights shared factors in their persistence: diplomatic skill in navigating larger neighbours, tailored economic models like border trade, and medieval-rooted political institutions. He views them as success stories and remains cautiously optimistic about Andorra's future, citing globalisation's support for small entities akin to Singapore or Dubai.

The programme, running since 2019 under an agreement between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Institut Ramon Llull, will reach 45 residents overall. This year's selection drew from 124 applications in 2024, with five chosen directly and one via exchange with Liechtenstein's Turmhaus residency. The lineup continues with Canadian researcher Robert Mizzi (from 4 May), focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusion in small communities; German ikebana artist Jan Le Han or Han Le Han (from 26 May), creating installations from local materials inspired by poet Teresa Colom; Ibizan dancer and choreographer Ines Sarmiento (from 1 September); Iranian interdisciplinary artist Pantea Armanfar (from 17 October), exploring natural sounds; and sculptor Lilian Haser or Hasler (from 6 November), linked to the Liechtenstein exchange, which will host Andorran artists Óscar Fiter and Maria Caminal in return.

Meritxell Blanco, head of Cultural Action, and technician Sandra Colell outlined the calendar, noting 72 activities since inception to share knowledge locally. Parallel initiatives include €10,000 in grants for Andorran creators' foreign stays and training—now excluding online options—and four spots at Faberllull Olot in November 2026, with two assigned to Andrea Camp and Arnau Sánchez and two open for applications from 15 April to 13 July.