Open Call for Tailored Short-Term Individual Stay Program

Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

The French Ministry of Culture is accepting applications for its Tailored Short-Term Individual Stay Program, designed to support international cultural professionals in networking and developing joint initiatives with French institutions. Selected participants receive financial support for accommodation, meals, local transport, insurance, and programme activities, while international travel and visa costs must be covered independently. The program runs from 6 to 14 October 2026, with applications closing on 15 March 2026.

About the Program

The Tailored Short-Term Individual Stay Program aims to:

• Facilitate professional networking with French cultural institutions

• Strengthen international cultural cooperation

• Enhance knowledge of the French cultural sector

• Support the development of joint cultural initiatives between foreign institutions and French partners

The program provides participants with a structured stay in France to attend strategic meetings, gain insights into French cultural administration, and foster long-term collaboration opportunities.

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 organisations

• Applicants actively engaged in cultural projects or about to collaborate with French partners

Who Is Not Eligible

• Artists, students, teachers, or researchers

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

Financial Support

Selected participants receive comprehensive support for:

• Programme costs and organisation

• Accommodation and meals

• Local transportation and insurance

Excluded costs:

• International travel expenses

• Visa fees

These must be covered by participants, their employers, the French embassy, local French institute, or other sponsors.

Program Dates and Timeline

• Application deadline: 15 March 2026

• Selection period: April 2026

• Programme dates in France: 6–14 October 2026

• Notification: Final list of selected participants shared with local French cultural services by the end of April 2026

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare Application

   • Complete the application form

   • Include a copy of passport or ID card

   • Attach a headshot photograph

2. Submit Application

   • Applications submitted electronically to the Cooperation and Cultural Action Services of the French Embassy or the local French Institute

   • Initial review by local French services before forwarding to the Ministry of Culture

3. Selection

   • Applications evaluated on:

     • Quality of the professional initiative

     • Expected impact on the applicant’s home institution

     • Potential for developing long-term cooperation with French institutions

4. Participation

   • Selected participants attend a nine-day programme in France

   • Engage in meetings, networking, and knowledge-sharing activities

Key Tips for Applicants

• Ensure the cultural project with French partners is clearly defined

• Demonstrate the expected impact on your home institution

• Highlight long-term collaboration potential with French organisations

• Submit all required documents completely and on time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this program?

Foreign cultural professionals engaged in cultural projects with French partners, working in national, regional, or local institutions.

2. Are artists or students eligible?

No, artists, students, teachers, researchers, and French cultural network representatives are not eligible.

3. What costs are covered by the Ministry of Culture?

Programme organisation, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and insurance are covered.

4. What costs are not included?

International travel and visa fees must be covered independently.

5. When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 15 March 2026.

6. How are applications evaluated?

Based on the professional initiative, expected impact on the home institution, and potential for long-term cooperation.

7. When will the program take place in France?

From 6 to 14 October 2026.

Conclusion

The Tailored Short-Term Individual Stay Program provides an excellent opportunity for international cultural professionals to network, gain insights into the French cultural sector, and develop long-term collaborative projects. With comprehensive support for programme-related costs, participants can focus on building sustainable professional relationships and fostering cross-cultural initiatives.

For more information, visit Ministry of Culture.