Applications open for Sound Art Residency Program

Deadline: 18-Jan-2026

The Sound Art Residency Program at the musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac supports artists from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas to develop innovative sound-based works that preserve intangible heritage. Artists receive a fixed grant of €8,000 plus production support, accommodation, and travel for work in Paris and Le Fresnoy, with projects spanning social justice, environmental issues, philosophy, science, and related fields. Applications are open to individual artists, collectives, or multiple collaborators, with a structured selection process including pre-selection, interviews, and final approval by a committee of experts.

Program Overview

The Sound Art Residency Program is designed to foster creative projects that integrate sound and audiovisual media while engaging with the museum’s collections. The program encourages exploration of themes including:

• Zero Waste and Environmental Justice

• Social Justice

• Philosophy and Social Sciences

• Marketing, Business Communications, and Policy

• Chemistry and Scientific Concepts

The residency offers a fully supportive environment for artistic creation, including state-of-the-art technical resources, production support, and guidance from museum experts.

Who Is Eligible?

• Artists from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, including French overseas territories

• No age restriction; dual nationals are eligible

• Individual artists, collectives, or multi-artist collaborations (grant to be shared among collaborators)

• Prior submissions of identical or similar projects to previous museum calls will not be considered

Funding and Benefits

• Fixed grant: €8,000 (excluding tax), covering copyright fees and final work integration into museum collections

• Production support: Includes accommodation, meals, national and international travel, technical setup, additional production expenses, and copyright authorization for use within a defined budget

• Access to museum resources and immersive creative spaces in Paris and Le Fresnoy, Tourcoing

• Non-exclusive rights for reproduction and representation must be transferred to the museum

• Artists must maintain professional liability insurance during production periods

Residency Timeline

1. Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

2. Online Presentations/Interviews: April 2026

3. Creation Period: September 2026 – February 2027

4. Post-Production: February – March 2027

5. Final Installation and Public Presentation: March 2027

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete file including:

• Signed registration form

• Statement of intent (French or English)

• Short project summary

• Detailed biography

• Copy of valid ID

• Up to three links to previous works (digital or printed)

• Technical sheet detailing project elements including scenography, budget, and sound/audiovisual sources

Submission Guidelines:

• Applications can be submitted by post or digitally

• Ensure compliance with file size and packaging requirements

• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed

Selection Process

1. Pre-selection by the museum’s internal jury

2. Final selection by a committee including internal members and external experts, led by the institution’s president

3. Online interview for pre-selected candidates in April 2026

Responsibilities of Selected Artists

• Transfer non-exclusive reproduction and representation rights of the created work to the museum

• Request authorization for use of work during two years post-residency

• Participate in workshops, meetings, visits, and media interactions

• Maintain professional liability insurance for production periods

Why It Matters

This residency provides artists with a unique opportunity to:

• Develop sound and audiovisual works in a professional, museum-supported environment

• Contribute to the preservation and reinterpretation of intangible heritage

• Engage with interdisciplinary themes ranging from environmental and social justice to science and philosophy

• Present their work to the public and museum audiences, ensuring global visibility

How to Apply / Steps to Follow

1. Confirm eligibility based on geography, residency, and collaborative structure

2. Prepare required documents: registration form, statement of intent, biography, technical sheet, and previous works

3. Submit application digitally or via post by 18 January 2026

4. Participate in online interviews if pre-selected in April 2026

5. Complete creation, post-production, and installation according to the residency timeline

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure project is original and not previously submitted

• Provide clear technical specifications for sound or audiovisual elements

• Emphasize interdisciplinary relevance to museum collections and thematic focus areas

• Plan realistic budgets and timelines

• Verify that all collaborators are included in the application documentation

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Sound Art Residency?
Artists from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, including French overseas territories, with no age restrictions.

2. Can multiple artists collaborate on one project?
Yes, multiple artists or collectives can apply, but the €8,000 grant is shared among collaborators.

3. What expenses are covered?
Grant covers copyright fees, work integration, and delivery. Additional support includes accommodation, meals, travel, production costs, and technical setup.

4. What rights does the museum obtain?
The museum receives non-exclusive reproduction and representation rights for the created work and authorization must be requested for any use within two years after residency.

5. What happens if the project was submitted previously?
Projects previously submitted in identical or similar form will not be reconsidered.

6. When are online interviews held?
Pre-selected candidates will be invited to online interviews in April 2026.

7. What is the residency schedule?

• Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

• Creation Period: September 2026 – February 2027

• Post-Production: February – March 2027

• Final Installation & Presentation: March 2027

Conclusion

The Sound Art Residency Program at the musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac offers artists a transformative opportunity to develop sound-based projects that intersect art, science, and social themes. With financial support, production resources, and museum guidance, participants can create impactful works while contributing to the preservation and reinterpretation of intangible heritage.

For more information, visit Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac.