De Ateliers has given studio experience central importance. The studio is not only the place where participants produce their work, but also the prime place for artists to freely exchange ideas on artistic ways of thinking and acting. Self-motivation is the main emphasis. De Ateliers therefore has no branches or programs of study. It focuses on the entire realm of visual arts, without making distinctions among mediums or disciplines and without making interdisciplinarity a norm. That is why all of the teaching artists work with all of the participants, regardless of the discipline. The key role of the studio experience does not mean that the institute is not open to artists who situate their work beyond its walls. But the large work spaces do constitute its most important facility, while discussions that take place during the studio visit make up the major part of the guidance.