Organizer Information
The École nationale supérieure de la photographie (ENSP) was founded in Arles, France, in 1982 by Lucien Clergue, Maryse Cordesse, and Alain Desvergnes, nine years after the founding of the international photography festival now known as Les Rencontres d'Arles. It is the only art school in France dedicated exclusively to photography, and became a national public higher-education institution (ENSP) in 2004–2005, operating under the authority of the French Ministry of Culture. For nearly 40 years the school occupied the 18th-century Hôtel Quiqueran de Beaujeu in Arles's historic centre before moving, in 2019, into a new building designed by architect Marc Barani. Alongside its diploma-granting initial training programme, the school runs continuing-professional education, a doctoral programme in partnership with the University of Aix-Marseille, and mentorship residency programmes for young international artists.
Title & Description
Artificial Intelligence Post-Master's Scholarship 2026–2027
The École nationale supérieure de la photographie (ENSP) is opening applications for the 2026–2027 edition of its post-graduation support scholarship dedicated to artificial intelligence and new technologies. Open to artists recently graduated from art schools, the programme will offer three recipients the opportunity to explore the intersections between AI technologies and artistic creation, through a research-creation programme addressing the aesthetic, ethical, ecological, and economic questions these technologies raise for photography, image, and the visual arts more broadly. The programme does not require or commit participants to production; it is designed as creative and professional support for further research related to their practice.
Theme
The intersections between artificial intelligence and new technologies and artistic creation, with particular focus on photography and image, addressing the aesthetic, ethical, political, and ecological implications of AI.
Categories
- Photography
- AI
- Technology
- New Media
- Research
- Scholarship
- Digital
- Video/Film
Eligibility
- Must hold a DNSEP or an equivalent Master's degree from a higher school of art, obtained between 2022 and 2026
- Must have an artistic practice engaged with the issue of new technologies since leaving school
- Must have a research-creation approach related to photography, image, AI, and new technologies
Program Benefits & Awards
- A grant of €4,000 per recipient (three scholarships awarded)
- Coverage of transport costs (flat rate), accommodation, and catering (per diem) for in-person working time in Arles and Orléans
- Individual support (remote and in-person) from professionals in art and AI, over six months between end of October 2026 and April 2027
- Participation in a one-day conference on AI at ENSP (date to be confirmed)
- Participation in an inter-school workshop with ESAD Orléans at the Frac Centre-Val de Loire in Orléans, 18–22 January 2027
- Participation in a workshop at ENSP, 15–19 March 2027
- Participation in a collective presentation of the research and process undertaken, at ENSP in April 2027 (date to be confirmed), including an oral presentation with supporting documentation
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applications by email to candidatures-bourse-ia-2026@ensp-arles.fr
Key Dates
- Registration closes: 13 September 2026
- Videoconference interviews with shortlisted candidates: 5–9 October 2026
- Communication of results: 9 October 2026
- Individual mentorship period: end of October 2026 – April 2027
- Inter-school workshop, Orléans: 18–22 January 2027
- Workshop at ENSP: 15–19 March 2027
- Collective presentation of research at ENSP: April 2027 (date to be confirmed)
Location
Arles and Orléans, France
Additional Details
- Selection criteria include: experience in the field of AI and artistic creation, relevance and originality of the proposed approach, and ability to collaborate and work in an interdisciplinary manner
- Support is provided in partnership with ADAGP and the French Ministry of Culture, through the Culture Pro programme
- Previous winners include Zoé Chauvet, Rémi Lécussan, and Olivier Pérusat (2025–2026 edition)