La Grande Lessive is a brand that specializes in a unique and engaging participatory art experience. It is an ephemeral artistic installation created by people from around the world on the same day. The concept draws inspiration from the traditional practice of Grandes lessives and the ubiquitous A4 paper format.

Participants are invited to create various forms of visual art, such as drawings, paintings, photographs, digital images, collages, and visual poetry. These creations are then hung outdoors using clothespins and strings in public or private spaces. La Grande Lessive was founded in 2006 by the artist Joëlle Gonthier and has since grown into a global movement.

It aims to celebrate the process of art-making, promote artistic practices and education, and foster social connections. Thousands of collectives in 121 countries across five continents have already participated, with over 13 million people of all ages, abilities, and social backgrounds contributing to this creative endeavor. The next edition of La Grande Lessive is scheduled for October 19, 2023.

To participate, interested individuals or groups can form collectives of 50 to several hundred people with diverse backgrounds and skills. The collective can be improvised, consisting of family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues, or organized entities such as educational institutions, cultural centers, or community organizations. The shared experience of acting together with a common invitation and using the same materials (strings, clothespins, and A4 paper) creates the artwork.

After each edition of La Grande Lessive, participants are invited to share their experiences through photographs, texts, videos, articles, or reports on the website. This collaborative project requires preparation before the event to ensure that the documents are suitable for online display. Various resources and tools are available on the website to assist participants in this process.

Beyond the biannual installations, La Grande Lessive's impact extends throughout the year through their shared workspace and online platform. This platform serves as a hub for information and reflections about the artistic process, practices, and social connections. In addition, the Resources section offers more in-depth knowledge to enhance and diversify artistic actions.

La Grande Lessive believes in making art accessible to all, and participation is free for all individuals. However, the scale of the project and the year-round work involved require support. Since April 2020, contributions from local communities have been requested, in addition to other forms of support.

Donations from individuals continue to be crucial and reaffirm the collective commitment to this artistic endeavor. La Grande Lessive invites individuals and organizations alike to create connections through art, fostering creativity, and strengthening social bonds