Apply for Tailored Short-Term Individual Stay Program

The French Ministry of Culture invites applications for its Tailored Short-Term Individual Stay Program, designed to support foreign cultural professionals in networking and developing collaborative projects with French institutions. Selected participants receive funding for program costs, accommodation, meals, local transport, and insurance, while international travel and visas are not covered. Applications are open until 15 March 2026, and the stay is scheduled for 6–14 October 2026.

Program Overview

The Tailored Short-Term Individual Stay Program aims to:

• Facilitate networking between foreign cultural professionals and French partners

• Support the creation of new collaborative cultural projects

• Strengthen knowledge of the French cultural sector and professional connections

Participants gain access to strategic meetings, professional exchanges, and sector-specific knowledge to enhance long-term cooperation with French institutions.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• French-speaking or English-speaking foreign cultural professionals

• Professionals working in national, regional, or local cultural administrations, institutions, or organizations

• Individuals actively engaged in cultural projects in their home countries

• Applicants already involved or planning collaboration with French partners

The program does not accept applications from:

• Artists, students, teachers, or researchers

• Representatives of the French cultural network abroad (e.g., Cooperation and Cultural Action Services, Alliances françaises, Instituts Français)

What the Program Covers

The Ministry of Culture provides funding for:

• Program organization and activities

• Accommodation and meals

• Local transportation within the program

• Insurance

Not covered:

• International travel costs

• Visa fees

Applicants must secure additional funding for these expenses through their employer, French Embassy, local French institute, or other sponsors.

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Application Materials

• Completed application form

• Copy of passport or national ID (for citizens of visa-exempt countries or European citizens)

• Headshot photograph

Step 2: Submit Applications

• Submit documents electronically to the Cooperation and Cultural Action Services of the French Embassy or local French Institute

• Applications are then forwarded to the French Ministry of Culture for evaluation

Step 3: Selection Process

• Applications are assessed based on:

  • Quality of the professional initiative

  • Potential impact on the applicant’s home institution

  • Prospects for long-term collaboration with French cultural institutions

• Selection takes place in April 2026

• Final list communicated by end of April 2026

Program Timeline

• Application deadline: 15 March 2026

• Selection period: April 2026

• Program dates: 6–14 October 2026

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure your proposed project clearly demonstrates collaboration potential with French partners

• Highlight expected impact on your institution and local cultural sector

• Confirm language proficiency in English or French

• Submit complete documentation to avoid delays in processing

FAQs

1. Who can apply for this program?

Foreign cultural professionals working in administrations, institutions, or organizations in any cultural sector.

2. Are international travel and visa costs covered?

No. Applicants must fund these expenses separately.

3. Can artists or students apply?

No. The program targets professionals involved in cultural management or administration.

4. What documents are required?

Completed application form, passport or national ID copy, and a headshot photograph.

5. When will selected participants be notified?

By end of April 2026 via the Cooperation and Cultural Action Services or local French Institute.

6. How long is the program stay in France?

The stay is 9 days, from 6 to 14 October 2026.

7. Can applicants participate without French collaboration?

No. Applicants should already be engaged or planning collaboration with French cultural partners.

Conclusion

The Tailored Short-Term Individual Stay Program offers foreign cultural professionals a unique opportunity to build networks, strengthen partnerships, and gain insight into the French cultural sector. By fostering collaboration and professional exchanges, participants can enhance long-term cultural cooperation and develop impactful international projects.