Deadline: 20-Nov-2025
The Villa Albertine, in partnership with the Institut du monde arabe and the Recanati-Kaplan Foundation, is pleased to launch the call for applications for the Recanati-Kaplan Prize.
The focus areas, objectives, priorities, or themes are: promoting artistic and intellectual exchanges between the United States, France, and the Arab world; supporting creators, cultural professionals, or researchers from the Arab world pursuing original research in arts and ideas; encouraging residency projects on contemporary issues linking the United States and the Arab world; fostering field-based exploratory work within US cities; addressing societal issues shared by both regions; and embracing all disciplines across arts, culture, and ideas.
Each year, one creator, cultural professional, or researcher from the Arab world will receive the Recanati-Kaplan Prize, which includes a two-month exploratory residency in a US city supported by Villa Albertine in the fall of 2026, along with a $15,000 grant. The winner will become part of Villa Albertine’s 2026 cohort, marking the fifth anniversary of its residency program. It will cover travel, accommodation, daily living expenses, insurance, and car rental if required. However, expenses beyond these specified categories will not be covered.
Eligibility is open to any creator, cultural expert, or scholar from the Arab world proposing an original research project in the realm of arts and ideas that requires an immersive visit to the United States. Applicants must hold nationality from one of the eligible Arab countries and be fluent in English. They must be at least 21 years old and available to complete the two-month residency between September and December 2026. Applications can only be made individually, and group submissions will not be accepted.
Candidates are expected to select a residency location in a US city that aligns with the themes they wish to explore. The residency is envisioned as a field investigation rather than indoor desk work, encouraging meetings, visits, events, and exchanges that enrich the project. The residency is not production-based and welcomes all artistic and intellectual disciplines.
Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of the applicant’s overall work, the quality and relevance of the project, and its feasibility within Villa Albertine’s capacity. Villa Albertine will assist the selected resident by providing connections within the local arts and culture scene and a tailored schedule of meetings and events.
Selected applicants will be informed of their status by March 2026. Villa Albertine will not host any resident unable to meet US entry requirements.
Applicants are required to submit an online form in English, including a 10-page PDF presenting their career and selected works, a three-minute video in English introducing themselves and their project, and a detailed proposal outlining their chosen city and research theme.
Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Paris time).
For more information, visit Villa Albertine.