Deadline: 30-Aug-2026
The Cité internationale des arts has launched the Timor-Leste Residency Programme to support the international mobility and professional development of artists from Timor-Leste.
The programme provides one selected artist with a fully funded three-month residency in Paris, allowing them to develop artistic projects, conduct research, build international connections, and engage with a global creative community.
The residency is designed to strengthen the visibility of Timorese artists and encourage cultural exchange through artistic practice and research.
Purpose of the Timor-Leste Residency Programme
The residency aims to support artists from Timor-Leste by providing:
- International artistic mobility opportunities.
- Dedicated time and space for creative work.
- Access to professional networks.
- Mentorship and exchange opportunities.
- Exposure to international artistic communities.
The programme helps selected artists expand their professional connections while developing new artistic and research projects.
Supported Artistic Disciplines
The residency welcomes applications from artists and researchers working across multiple creative fields.
Eligible disciplines include:
- Visual arts.
- Performance arts.
- Music and sound research.
- Live performance.
- Writing.
- Design.
- Architecture and urbanism.
- Curatorial practice.
- Art criticism.
Applicants should demonstrate an established artistic or research practice within one of these fields.
Residency Location and Duration
The selected artist will participate in:
- Residency location: Cité internationale des arts, Paris, France.
- Residency duration: Three months.
- Number of selected artists: One laureate.
The residency provides a dedicated environment for artistic production, research, experimentation, and professional development.
Funding and Support Provided
The selected artist will receive a fully funded residency package.
Support includes:
- Monthly living stipend: €850 net of taxes.
- Arrival allowance: €200.
- International round-trip airfare.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa fee coverage.
- Furnished live-in studio accommodation.
The funding is designed to reduce financial barriers and allow the artist to focus on creative development during the residency period.
Accommodation Details
The selected artist will stay in a furnished live-in studio located at the Marais site of the Cité internationale des arts.
Studio features include:
- Size: Approximately 25–40 square metres.
- Combined living and working space.
- Workspace area.
- Kitchen facilities.
- Bathroom.
- Sleeping area.
The studio can accommodate:
- Up to two adults.
- One child under 10 years old.
Additional fees may apply for accompanying persons.
Important accommodation information:
- Studios are not currently adapted to accessibility standards for people with disabilities.
- Artists must consider accessibility requirements before applying.
Costs Not Covered by the Programme
The residency does not cover:
- Transportation of artworks.
- Shipping of experimental materials.
- Additional project-specific production costs unless separately approved.
Applicants should plan for these expenses when preparing their residency project.
Final Reporting Requirement
At the end of the residency, the selected artist must submit:
- A final residency report.
- Details of activities completed.
- Outcomes and reflections from the residency experience.
The report helps document the impact of the programme and the artist’s development during the residency.
Who Can Apply?
The Timor-Leste Residency Programme is open to:
- Timorese artists.
- Artist-researchers from Timor-Leste.
Applicants may apply regardless of age if they meet the programme requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a Timorese artist-researcher.
- Have an artistic or research practice in an eligible discipline.
- Demonstrate at least five years of professional artistic experience.
- Be able to communicate and participate in either English or French.
Applicants should show:
- A clear artistic identity.
- Professional experience.
- Commitment to artistic research or creation.
- Ability to benefit from an international residency environment.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, candidates should verify that they meet:
- Nationality requirements.
- Professional experience requirements.
- Language requirements.
- Artistic discipline criteria.
Step 2: Prepare an Artistic Profile
Applicants should prepare information about:
- Artistic background.
- Professional experience.
- Previous projects.
- Research interests.
- Creative practice.
Step 3: Develop a Residency Proposal
The proposal should explain:
- Planned artistic or research activities.
- Goals for the residency period.
- Expected creative outcomes.
- How the residency will support professional development.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applicants should submit all required materials according to the programme guidelines.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Why This Residency Matters
International residencies provide artists with opportunities to develop new ideas, connect with global creative communities, and strengthen professional networks.
The Timor-Leste Residency Programme helps:
- Increase international visibility of Timorese artists.
- Support artistic experimentation.
- Encourage cultural exchange.
- Create opportunities for collaboration.
- Provide dedicated time for research and production.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without five years of professional experience.
- Submitting unclear artistic proposals.
- Choosing disciplines outside the eligible categories.
- Ignoring accommodation limitations.
- Failing to plan for artwork transport costs.
- Not considering language requirements.
- Providing incomplete application materials.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain their artistic practice.
- Highlight previous achievements and projects.
- Present a focused residency plan.
- Describe how the experience will influence future work.
- Demonstrate readiness for international collaboration.
- Show how the residency connects with their artistic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Timor-Leste Residency Programme?
The Timor-Leste Residency Programme is a fully funded three-month residency opportunity supporting Timorese artists at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris.
How many artists will be selected?
One artist will be selected for the residency.
What financial support does the selected artist receive?
The selected artist receives an €850 monthly stipend, a €200 arrival allowance, airfare support, travel insurance, visa fee coverage, and accommodation.
What artistic fields are eligible?
Eligible fields include visual arts, performance arts, music and sound research, writing, design, architecture-urbanism, curatorial practice, and art criticism.
Do applicants need professional experience?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate at least five years of professional artistic experience.
Can artists of any age apply?
Yes. Timorese artists of any age may apply if they meet all eligibility requirements.
Is artwork transportation covered?
No. Transportation of artworks and experimental materials is not covered by the residency programme.
Conclusion
The Timor-Leste Residency Programme offers a valuable international opportunity for Timorese artists seeking to expand their creative practice and professional networks.
Through a fully funded three-month residency in Paris, the programme provides artists with financial support, dedicated studio space, mentorship opportunities, and access to an international artistic community. Eligible artist-researchers with established professional experience are encouraged to apply and use the residency to develop new creative and research directions.
For more information, visit International City of Arts.