By following an Arno Stern Training Program, you discover a profession — that of the Play-Of-Painting Servant — and learn how to create the conditions in which the act of expression can unfold freely, without intervention, judgment, or interpretation.
You also learn to understand the laws of Formulation through an in-depth study of the Semiology of Expression. This knowledge helps protect against astonishment, indiscretion, intervention, and appropriation.
The original Arno Stern Training Program is now transmitted by his son, André Stern, who worked alongside him for more than 35 years. It is part of a collective work that faithfully continues the transmission initiated by Arno Stern.
Over the decades, many participants have gone on to create places dedicated to the Play-Of-Painting in countries near and far.
You can find presentation videos about the training program on Arno Stern’s YouTube channel.
In 2014, we undertook a major digitization project involving the 500,000 archived documents — drawings and paintings — collected by Arno Stern since 1947.
This advancement made it possible to present his work in a renewed way, highlighting essential phenomena with unprecedented precision.
Another major turning point came in 2020, when the training program was completely redesigned to be offered online and live. Its content was enriched in order to transmit with even greater clarity both the theory — the scientific study of Formulation — and the practical aspects of the Play-Of-Painting and the Closlieu.
The training does not end when the program is completed.
All trained participants may take part in continuing education gatherings, in the form of Online Resourcing Days lasting at least one day per year, at no additional cost.
These moments help maintain a living connection, deepen one’s practice, and allow questions to emerge and be shared through experience.
They extend Arno Stern’s wish to accompany, over time, those who commit themselves to this path.
This training program includes 79 hours spread over 5 weekends. Its content is equivalent to several semesters of study.
This online format offers several advantages:
The certification delivered at the end of the training — subject to attendance requirements — makes it possible to open a Closlieu according to the criteria defined by Arno Stern.
The online platform is simple to use, and our team accompanies you before and throughout the training.
Illustrated lectures and Q&A sessions
79 hours of training in total
Also including 4 informal one-hour group meetings (from the second module onward, via Zoom)
The course is based on the original contents conceived, developed, and continuously updated by Arno Stern, and presented at his request by André Stern, his son and long-time collaborator of over 30 years.
→ As the program is conducted live and in interaction with participants, it is not available in replay.
The course is conducted in French, with simultaneous interpretation into English.
For other language options, please select your preferred website language or contact us.
By registering for the Training Program, you also have access to:
5 weekends from 19 February to 21 March 2027 = 79 hours of training
Paris Time Zone (GMT+1/+2 depending on the time of year)
Please check your time zone accordingly
On all Fridays: From 3:30 or 4:30 pm* to 7:30 pm (break from 6:00 to 6:30 pm**)
On all Saturdays: From 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (break from 11:00 to 11:30 am**) and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm (break from 4:30 to 5:00 pm**)
On all Sundays: From 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (break from 11:00 to 11:30 am**) and from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
* Important: During modules 2, 3, 4, and 5, an informal Zoom meeting with the entire group takes place from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
**Scheduled break times are indicative.
As the festive season approaches, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to take part in the online Arno Stern Training at the special price of €3 000, instead of the standard price of €4 600.
Special offer valid until and including 31 December 2026.
After this date, registrations will remain open at the standard rates listed below.
Payment terms: please refer to the registration form.
More informations about joining the I.R.S.E.-A.S. on the organisation’s website.
