Organizer Information
L’Atelier Blanc is a non-profit contemporary art organization based in Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Established in 2004, the organization is dedicated to supporting emerging artistic practices, particularly within rural and semi-rural contexts. Its mission is rooted in fostering access to contemporary art, encouraging artistic experimentation, and strengthening the relationship between art and local communities.
As a member of the air de Midi network, L’Atelier Blanc operates within a broader regional ecosystem of contemporary art institutions in Occitanie. The organization collaborates closely with public institutions such as the DRAC Occitanie, the Occitanie Region, and the Department of Aveyron, alongside municipal and private partners. Its programming includes exhibitions, artist residencies, publications, and mediation projects aimed at diverse audiences.
Title & Description
16th Prix Jeune Création de L’Atelier Blanc & 10th Prix du Département de l’Aveyron for Contemporary Art – Open Call 2026
This open call invites emerging visual artists to participate in two complementary yet distinct awards aimed at promoting young contemporary creation. Organized by L’Atelier Blanc in partnership with the Department of Aveyron, the initiative seeks to identify, support, and provide visibility to artists at an early stage of their professional careers.
Applicants are required to submit a project proposal featuring a specific artwork to compete. From all applications, five artists will be selected to exhibit their work in a collective exhibition held in Villefranche-de-Rouergue from October to December 2026.
Three independent awards will be granted:
- The Jury Prize (Prix Jeune Création du Jury)
- The Public Prize (Prix du Public)
- The Departmental Prize for Contemporary Art (Prix du Département)
Beyond the exhibition, the program emphasizes professional development through residencies, public engagement, and production support. The Departmental Prize notably integrates a site-responsive dimension, requiring the selected artist to engage with the cultural, historical, or intangible heritage of Aveyron.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Contemporary Art
- Multidisciplinary Practices (installation, painting, sculpture, video, mixed media, etc.)
Eligibility
- Open to international artists (no nationality restriction specified)
- Artists must be 33 years old or younger in 2026 (born after January 1, 1993)
- Applicants must demonstrate a professional artistic practice in contemporary visual arts
- Final-year students or graduates (DNSEP or equivalent) are eligible
- All media accepted except monumental or excessively heavy works
- For the Departmental Prize:
- Driving license required
- Ability to travel within the Aveyron অঞ্চ
Program Benefits & Awards
Jury Prize (Prix Jeune Création du Jury)
- 4-week residency in 2027 in Villefranche-de-Rouergue
- Accommodation + studio space
- €1500 creation grant (net)
- Up to €300 production cost reimbursement
- Up to €300 travel reimbursement
- Public presentation and professional visibility
Public Prize
- €500 awarded based on audience voting (on-site and online)
Departmental Prize for Contemporary Art
- Total budget: €6000 covering:
- Artist fees and production costs
- Accommodation, per diem, and travel
- Exhibition production and presentation
- Additional support for communication, exhibition opening, and educational outreach
- Residency (6–8 weeks) in 2027
- Engagement with local communities and schools
Additional Benefits for Finalists (5 selected artists)
- Participation in a curated exhibition (Oct–Dec 2026)
- €200 exhibition fee (artist remuneration)
- Transport and installation support (up to €200 reimbursement)
- Accommodation and meals during installation and opening
- Artwork insurance during exhibition
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete digital application, including:
- Completed application form (PDF)
- Artist statement and CV (PDF)
- Visual or audiovisual documentation of the proposed artwork
- Portfolio (PDF) including previous works and conceptual framework
All files must follow strict naming conventions and be submitted via a downloadable link (max 10MB total).
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 May 2026
- Jury Selection Period: July–August 2026
- Exhibition of Finalists: October 10 – December 5, 2026
- Residency Periods: Throughout 2027 (dates to be scheduled individually)
Location
Villefranche-de-Rouergue, France
Additional Details
- Artists may apply for one or both prizes, but awards are non-cumulative
- Previously submitted works to past editions are not eligible
- Selected artists must grant reproduction rights for communication purposes
- Exhibition scenography is managed by L’Atelier Blanc
- Jury consists of leading art professionals from institutions such as regional museums and art centers
- A parallel editorial project led by author Elsa Escaffre will accompany the 2026 edition