CFAs: French Institute x International City of Arts Residencies Program

Deadline: 08-Oct-2026

The French Institute x International City of Arts Residencies Program offers artists and cultural professionals from all nationalities the opportunity to develop a research and creation project in Paris for three, six, or nine months. Launched through a collaboration between the Institut français and the Cité internationale des arts, the programme supports nearly 70 laureates each year from around the world and across a wide range of artistic disciplines. Selected residents receive a residence allowance of at least €1,100 per month, while international travel, insurance, and visa fees are covered by the associated partner. Residents are also provided with furnished studio apartments at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris. The programme is open to professional artists and cultural professionals across disciplines including architecture, visual arts, cinema, digital creation, dance, design, literature, music, photography, theatre, fashion, crafts, gastronomy, and more. Direct applications from artists are not accepted. Candidates must be supported by one or more associated partners, which submit applications on their behalf.

About the French Institute x International City of Arts Residencies Program

The French Institute x International City of Arts Residencies Program is an international residency initiative designed to give artists and cultural professionals dedicated time and space to pursue research and creative projects in Paris. The programme is jointly developed by the Institut français and the Cité internationale des arts and brings together artists from different countries, disciplines, and cultural backgrounds. Nearly 70 laureates are supported each year, providing an international community of artists and cultural professionals with an opportunity to develop their practices in the heart of Paris. Residency Opportunity in Paris Selected artists undertake their residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris. The residency provides a furnished studio apartment, giving participants a dedicated environment for research and creation. Depending on the proposed project and residency arrangement, the stay can last: - 3 months - 6 months - 9 months Residency periods are scheduled between April 2027 and April 2028. Financial Support Selected residents receive a residence allowance of at least: - €1,100 per month In addition, the associated partner covers: - International travel - Insurance - Visa fees The programme therefore provides financial and practical support intended to enable selected artists and cultural professionals to focus on their research and creative projects during their stay in Paris. Additional Services Residents can access additional facilities and services, although these are provided at the artist’s own expense.

Available services can include:

- Rehearsal studios - Group workshops - French language lessons These additional resources can help residents develop their projects, collaborate with other participants, and engage more effectively with the French cultural environment. Artistic and Cultural Disciplines The programme is open to professionals working across a broad range of artistic and cultural fields.

Eligible disciplines include:

- Architecture - Urban planning - Visual arts - Cinema - Animation - Fiction - Documentary - Video art - Digital creation - Art criticism - Art curation - Dance - Performance - Design - Gastronomy - Literature - Crafts - Fashion - Music - Photography - Theatre The programme’s multidisciplinary approach allows artists and cultural professionals from different creative fields to participate. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to artists and cultural professionals of all nationalities. Applicants must meet several eligibility conditions.

Candidates must:

- Be supported by one or more associated partners. - Have resided outside France for at least five years. - Be engaged in a recognised professional practice. - Be available without other professional obligations during the residency. - Demonstrate autonomy. - Have professional proficiency in French and/or English. The residency is therefore intended for established professional practitioners who can independently develop their proposed research and creation project. Five-Year Residence Requirement Applicants must have resided outside France for at least five years. This requirement is important for candidates who have previously lived or worked in France and should be considered carefully when assessing eligibility. The programme is designed to bring international artists and cultural professionals into the Paris cultural environment while supporting diverse international perspectives. Professional Practice Requirement Applicants must be engaged in a recognised professional practice within their artistic or cultural field. Candidates should therefore be able to demonstrate a professional background relevant to the proposed residency project. The selection process considers the candidate’s professional background as one of the key factors in evaluating applications. Availability During the Residency Selected residents must be free from other professional obligations during their residency. This ensures that the residency period can be dedicated to the proposed research and creation project. Applicants should therefore ensure that they can commit fully to the residency period selected for their application. Language and Autonomy Applicants must demonstrate autonomy and professional proficiency in French and/or English. The language requirement supports effective participation in the residency environment and communication with relevant artistic and cultural networks. Applicants should be able to work independently and engage professionally with the residency programme. Applications Must Be Submitted by Partners One of the most important features of the programme is that artists cannot apply directly. Candidates must be supported by one or more associate