Organizer Information
The Cité internationale des arts is a nonprofit foundation based in Paris, dedicated to hosting research and creative work by international artists across all disciplines — visual arts, music, performing arts, architecture, and writing. Inaugurated in 1965, it comprises 326 studio apartments across two sites, in the Marais and Montmartre districts, and hosts approximately 1,000 artists per year, making it the largest artists' residence in the world. It has accommodated more than 35,000 artists since its founding and develops many of its residency programmes in partnership with French and international institutions.
AICA International (the International Association of Art Critics) was founded in 1950 and is a global organization uniting over 5,000 art professionals from 95 countries, with a mission to promote art criticism as a discipline and protect the ethical standards of the profession. For the Bridges programme, AICA International has partnered with the Cité internationale des arts to support the mobility of art critics living abroad, drawing on the working environment of the Cité, the INHA (Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art), and the AICA archives held at the Archives de la Critique d'Art in Rennes.
Title & Description
Bridges — Research Residency for Art Critics
Bridges is a joint programme developed by AICA International and the Cité internationale des arts, aimed at art critics working and living abroad. The residency supports research projects on art criticism, allowing selected residents to draw on the working environment of the Cité internationale des arts, the INHA, and the AICA archives at the Archives de la Critique d'Art in Rennes. The programme is also designed to foster encounters with the French art, critical, and curatorial scenes, which may enrich residents' research projects. The partners provide tailored guidance related to residents' research interests and facilitate access to professional networks.
Theme
Research into art criticism, with residents expected to propose their own individual research project — no single prescribed topic is stated in the source, beyond the general focus on art-critical research and its relevance to the Cité internationale des arts and the Paris art scene.
Categories
- Art Critic
- Art Writing
- Research
- Residency
Eligibility
- Must demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in the field of art criticism
- Must be a current member of AICA at the time of application
- Must reside outside mainland France
- Collective applications are not eligible
Program Benefits & Awards
- Access to professional networking and public programme opportunities
- A live-in studio on the Marais site of the Cité internationale des arts
- A monthly stipend of €1,000
- Coverage of round-trip international travel costs, within €1,000
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 August 2026
- Announcement of results: October 2026
Location
Cité internationale des arts, Marais site, Paris, France
Additional Details
- The selection committee will pay particular attention to: the artistic quality of the submitted writing samples and the proposed project outlined in the statement of intent; the relevance of undertaking the residency at the Cité internationale des arts and in Paris; and the proposed working methodology, including any contacts, collaborations, or partnerships already established to support the project's long-term development
- Live-in studios on the Marais site range from 25 to 35 m² and combine a workroom, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area; a studio can accommodate up to two adults and one child up to age 10, with additional fees charged for accompanying persons
- The live-in studios do not currently meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities, though the Cité states it is working to address this
- Telephone enquiries regarding the application process will not be answered