The exclusive Villa Albertine program offers fully funded residencies for artists, researchers, and cultural professionals from around the world, including free accommodation, full coverage of international and domestic travel costs, and a monthly stipend.
According to Gallery Online, this research-driven and exploratory residency takes place over 1 to 3 months during the year 2027, across various cities in the United States. Its primary mission is to strengthen cultural exchange between France and the U.S.
Participation is open to artists worldwide. However, non-French applicants must secure the support of a French institution or organization that can endorse their project. Applicants are required to select the city or region in the U.S. that best aligns with their proposed project.
Residencies last 1 to 3 months, scheduled anytime between January and December 2027.
Eligible Disciplines
General Open Call Fields:
Villa Albertine welcomes established and emerging professionals in the following areas:
- Visual arts
- Architecture
- Photography
- Performing arts
- Street arts
- Music (excluding applicants for the classical music open call)
- Film and moving image
- Television
- Literature, non-fiction, comics, children’s literature
- Museum studies
- Cultural heritage
- Art history
- Perfumery
- Fashion
- Digital creation (immersive experiences, video games, and technology-driven practices including AI and VR)
- Podcasts
- Culinary arts
- Other related fields
Interdisciplinary and cross-field research projects are also encouraged.
Special Open Calls (separate application links):
- Classical Music
- Arts in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- Craft & Design
Links for these specific calls:
Funding & Support
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses (e.g., food, local transportation)
- Fully covered accommodation during the residency
- Full coverage of international and domestic travel within the U.S.
- Health insurance, civil liability insurance, and repatriation coverage in case of illness or death
- Logistical support, coordination of meetings, and networking in the selected city
- Car rental if required, depending on the nature of the project or region (e.g., Los Angeles)
Required Documents
- Completed online application form (in English)
- Portfolio (maximum 10 pages)
- A short video (up to 3 minutes) in English introducing yourself and your proposed project (professional editing not required)
- Letter of support from a French partner organization (public or private, based in France)
Tip: This is the key requirement for international applicants, including those from Iran.
The French partner does not need to provide funding but must formally endorse your project.
Applicants are encouraged to contact French institutions via professional email or LinkedIn, presenting the Villa Albertine program and clearly explaining that the required role is professional/administrative support only, not financial sponsorship.
The supporting organization must send an official letter addressed to Mohamed Bouabdallah, Cultural Attaché of France and Director of Villa Albertine, stating its willingness to support the applicant.
They must also be willing to sign an agreement with Villa Albertine to assist with administrative procedures and U.S. entry requirements for the non-French participant.
- Research project proposal relevant to the chosen U.S. city/region
- Proof of English proficiency
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old and fluent in English
Application is free of charge
Application Deadline: January 29, 2026
Since the residency takes place in 2027 and the deadline is early 2026, applicants have ample time to prepare materials and secure a French partner organization.