French Institute x International City of Arts Residency Program

Deadline: 08-Oct-2026

The Institut français – Cité internationale des arts Residency Program supports international artists and cultural professionals who have lived outside France for at least five years to develop research and creative projects in Paris. Selected residents receive a three, six, or nine-month residency, a minimum monthly grant of €1,100, travel support, insurance coverage, and professional networking opportunities within the Parisian arts community.

Overview of the Institut français – Cité internationale des arts Residency Program

The Institut français and Cité internationale des arts Residency Program provides international artists and cultural professionals with the opportunity to undertake artistic research, creation, and professional development in Paris.

The programme enables selected residents to immerse themselves in the French cultural environment while developing original projects with support from partner organizations and artistic networks.

Each year, approximately 70 artists and cultural professionals from around the world are selected to participate in residencies hosted at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris.

Purpose of the Residency Program

The residency aims to:

• Support international artistic research and creation.
• Provide artists with time and space to develop new projects.
• Encourage international cultural exchange.
• Strengthen collaboration between artists and cultural organizations.
• Connect international creators with the Parisian and global arts community.
• Promote professional development through mentorship and networking.

Residency Duration and Timeline

Selected artists can undertake residencies lasting:

• 3 months
• 6 months
• 9 months

The residency period will take place between:

• April 2027 and April 2028

Residents work from studios provided at the Cité internationale des arts, located in Paris.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to:

• Professional artists.
• Cultural professionals.
• Researchers working in artistic and cultural fields.

Applicants must:

• Have lived outside France for at least five years.
• Demonstrate an established professional artistic or cultural practice.
• Have a clearly defined research or creative project.
• Receive support from an eligible partner organization.

Important Application Requirement

Individual artists cannot apply directly.

Applications must be submitted by a partner organization on behalf of the candidate.

Eligible partner organizations may include:

• French Institutes.
• French Alliances.
• Embassies.
• Cultural organizations.
• International arts institutions.

The partner organization acts as the official applicant and supports the artist’s residency project.

Eligible Artistic Disciplines

The residency welcomes projects across a wide range of artistic and cultural fields, including:

• Architecture.
• Urban planning.
• Street arts.
• Circus arts.
• Puppetry.
• Visual arts and plastic arts.
• Cinema.
• Digital creation.
• Art criticism.
• Curating.
• Dance.
• Performance art.
• Design.
• Gastronomy.
• Literature.
• Arts and crafts.
• Fashion.
• Music.
• Photography.
• Theatre.

Project Requirements and Priorities

Applicants should propose projects that demonstrate:

• Strong artistic research.
• Creative ambition.
• Professional relevance.
• Potential for cultural exchange.
• Contribution to the international arts ecosystem.

Priority is given to projects involving:

• At least one cultural or artistic organization based in the Paris Region.

Such partnerships help residents receive:

• Professional guidance.
• Mentorship.
• Local artistic connections.
• Opportunities for collaboration.

Residency Benefits and Financial Support

Selected residents receive a financial and logistical support package.

Monthly Residency Grant

Residents receive:

• Minimum grant of €1,100 per month

Additional Support Includes

The program covers:

• International travel costs.
• Insurance expenses.
• Visa fees where applicable.

The Institut français also covers:

• Monthly costs of the residency studio accommodation.

Residency Accommodation

Residents stay in live-in studios provided by the Cité internationale des arts.

The studios are:

• Located in the Marais district of Paris.
• Designed for residential and creative work.
• Able to accommodate up to:
  • Two adults.
  • One child under 10 years old.

Additional services and personal expenses must be covered by the residents.

Accessibility Information

The residency facilities currently do not fully comply with accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

Applicants requiring accessibility support should consider this limitation when planning their residency.

Why This Residency Matters

International artist residencies provide valuable opportunities for creative exchange, professional growth, and cross-cultural collaboration.

The Institut français – Cité internationale des arts Residency Program allows artists to:

• Develop ambitious creative projects.
• Build international networks.
• Gain exposure to the Paris cultural scene.
• Collaborate with professionals from different countries.
• Expand their artistic practice.

Paris provides a unique environment where artists can connect with museums, galleries, cultural organizations, researchers, and creative communities.

How the Residency Application Works

Step 1: Develop a Creative Project

Applicants should prepare a proposal describing:

• Artistic objectives.
• Research focus.
• Creative methods.
• Expected outcomes.
• Importance of completing the project in Paris.

Step 2: Find a Partner Organization

Applicants must work with an eligible partner organization that can submit the application.

Potential partners include:

• Cultural institutions.
• Embassies.
• French cultural networks.
• International arts organizations.

Step 3: Submit Through the Partner Organization

The partner organization submits the application on behalf of the artist or cultural professional.

Direct applications from artists are not accepted.

Step 4: Residency Selection

Applications are assessed based on:

• Artistic quality.
• Professional experience.
• Project relevance.
• International exchange potential.
• Partner organization support.

Step 5: Complete the Residency

Selected residents undertake their project in Paris during the approved residency period.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the creative importance of the project.
• Demonstrate professional artistic experience.
• Show why Paris is relevant to the project.
• Build strong partnerships with cultural organizations.
• Explain expected artistic and professional outcomes.
• Present realistic timelines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without a partner organization.
• Submitting unclear project proposals.
• Applying without meeting the five-year residency outside France requirement.
• Proposing projects without professional artistic experience.
• Ignoring accommodation and accessibility limitations.
• Failing to explain the relevance of Paris-based research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Institut français – Cité internationale des arts Residency Program?

Professional artists and cultural professionals who have lived outside France for at least five years and have a recognized artistic practice can apply through a partner organization.

Can artists submit applications directly?

No. Applications must be submitted by an approved partner organization on behalf of the candidate.

How long can the residency last?

Residencies are available for three, six, or nine months between April 2027 and April 2028.

How much financial support is provided?

Selected residents receive a minimum monthly grant of €1,100 along with travel, insurance, and visa support where applicable.

Which artistic disciplines are eligible?

The program supports many disciplines, including visual arts, cinema, music, literature, dance, theatre, design, digital creation, architecture, and more.

Where does the residency take place?

The residency takes place at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, France.

Are accessibility facilities available for artists with disabilities?

The residency studios do not currently fully meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities. Applicants should consider their individual accessibility needs before applying.

Conclusion

The Institut français – Cité internationale des arts Residency Program 2027 provides a major opportunity for international artists and cultural professionals to develop creative projects in Paris with financial support, professional connections, and access to a global arts community. Through research, collaboration, and cultural exchange, the programme strengthens international artistic cooperation and supports the development of innovative creative practices.

For more information, visit Institut français.