Deadline: 30-Jan-2026
The Villa Albertine Touring Grants Program supports French and France-based jazz and classical musicians to tour in the United States through nonprofit-led applications. The program funds multi-city tours that promote cultural exchange, diversity, and underrepresented musical works while strengthening long-term French–American artistic collaboration.
Overview
The Villa Albertine Touring Grants Program is a cultural mobility initiative designed to foster musical collaboration between French and American artists. It supports jazz and classical music projects ranging from Baroque to contemporary styles, with the goal of expanding the presence of French musical excellence across the United States. The program enables French and France-based musicians and ensembles to perform, teach, and engage with US audiences while building sustainable international partnerships.
Key Objectives of the Program
Strengthening Cultural Exchange
The program promotes artistic dialogue between France and the United States by supporting tours that bring French music traditions to American communities.
Supporting Artistic Mobility
Funding helps reduce barriers for international touring by supporting structured, nonprofit-led tours across multiple US locations.
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion
Priority is given to projects that highlight underrepresented composers, women artists, emerging creators, and inclusive programming.
Expanding Audience Engagement
Tours must include public-facing activities such as concerts and master classes to ensure meaningful interaction with audiences.
What the Touring Grants Support
The Touring Grants support structured US tours that meet clear artistic and logistical standards. Supported activities include:
• Concert performances across jazz and classical genres
• Educational programs such as master classes and workshops
• Multi-city tours that expand geographic reach
• Presentations of underrepresented or rarely performed works
• Projects involving new generations of composers and performers
Funding is provided to the applying institution, not directly to individual artists.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Applications must be submitted by institutions, not individuals. Eligible applicants include:
• American nonprofit organizations
• French nonprofit associations registered under loi 1901
• US presenting venues with nonprofit status
All applicants must be able to demonstrate formal nonprofit status.
Eligible Artists and Ensembles
Artists and ensembles included in proposals must:
• Be professional musicians
• Be French citizens or long-term legal residents
• Have lived in France or its territories for at least five years
Ineligible Applicants
• Individual artists applying independently
• For-profit entities
• Projects without confirmed presenting partners
Tour Requirements
To qualify for funding, each proposed tour must:
• Include a minimum of three performances or public programs
• Take place in the United States
• Involve confirmed US presenting partners
• Demonstrate artistic coherence and feasibility
Additional preference is given to tours that span at least three different US cities.
Why This Program Matters
The Villa Albertine Touring Grants play a strategic role in international cultural diplomacy. By supporting French musicians in the US, the program:
• Expands global visibility for French music
• Strengthens institutional partnerships between France and the US
• Encourages long-term artistic collaboration rather than one-off performances
• Promotes cultural diversity and equitable representation in music programming
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Secure Presenting Partners
Artists and ensembles must first obtain written commitments from US venues or institutions hosting the tour.
Step 2: Confirm Tour Structure
Ensure the tour includes at least three performances or public programs and meets priority criteria where possible.
Step 3: Select an Eligible Applicant
An eligible nonprofit organization (US or French loi 1901 association) must submit the application.
Step 4: Prepare Application Materials
Applicants should clearly outline tour dates, locations, artistic goals, audience engagement plans, and diversity considerations.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Applications must be submitted according to Villa Albertine’s official guidelines and timelines.
Selection Priorities and Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
• Artistic quality and originality
• Contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Geographic reach within the United States
• Strength of institutional partnerships
• Introduction of underrepresented composers or works
• Feasibility and organizational capacity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying as an individual artist instead of through a nonprofit
• Submitting without written commitments from presenting partners
• Proposing fewer than three performances
• Failing to explain the cultural or diversity impact of the tour
• Weak coordination among multiple US venues
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can individual musicians apply directly?
No. Applications must be submitted by eligible nonprofit organizations, not by individuals.
2. Does the program fund non-classical or non-jazz music?
The program focuses specifically on jazz and classical traditions, from Baroque to contemporary styles.
3. Are master classes counted as performances?
Yes. Public programs such as master classes qualify as eligible activities.
4. Can US venues apply without French partners?
Yes, US nonprofit presenting venues may apply independently, though coordination with other venues is strongly encouraged.
5. Is there a minimum number of cities required?
At least three performances are required. Tours covering three or more cities receive additional consideration.
6. Does the grant cover individual artist fees?
Funding is awarded to institutions managing the tour, not directly to individual artists.
7. Are emerging artists eligible?
Yes, as long as they are professional and meet residency or citizenship requirements.
Conclusion
The Villa Albertine Touring Grants Program is a strategic opportunity for nonprofit institutions to bring French jazz and classical music to American audiences through well-structured, inclusive, and culturally impactful tours. By prioritizing diversity, artistic excellence, and sustained collaboration, the program strengthens transatlantic cultural ties and ensures French musical innovation continues to resonate across the United States.
For more information, visit Villa Albertine.
