Le Fresnoy is a post-graduate art and audiovisual research centre. It was founded by Alain Fleischer, who is also the director. it is a place of production as well as study. Its aim is to enable young artists to produce works using professional equipment under the direction of established artists. The emphasis is on breaking down the barriers between different media and languages. The course is complemented by a program of various exhibitions and events that explore all aspects of creativity; in particular 'Panorama', every year in June. This exhibiton presents, under the auspices of a guest chairman, all the works produced at Le Fresnoy that year,

Le Fresnoy’s international students seek to develop their knowledge and expertise in audiovisual media by working on projects that are a first step towards a professional career. Applications are considered from all educational backgrounds and from all creative fields. Each student gets a budget and access to the studio's production, post-production and screening equipment. The course also includes historical, technical and theoretical lectures on various aspects of contemporary art and thematic days on various aspects of audiovisual production.

The Studio has exchange agreements with other French institutions such as the Académie de France in Rome (Villa Medicis) and the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, as well as with a number of establishments abroad (Université de Québec à Montréal, Ryerson School of Image Arts in Toronto, Pasadema Art Center and the College of Design in California, etc.

Le Fresnoy is also open to the public, with a program of film, exhibitions, concerts and other events. Information on the application procedure is available on the website.