Organizer Information
Founded to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the fire arts industry, MusVerre is a leading cultural institution in France, recognized internationally for contemporary glass art. The museum houses over 3,400 m², including 1,000 m² of exhibition space and a 1,200 m² state-of-the-art glass workshop. MusVerre’s dual collection spans historical glassworks (1801–1937) and contemporary pieces by international artists. The museum actively engages the local community and the Avesnois region through exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programs, and glassmaking demonstrations. Certified as a Museum of France and for universal accessibility, MusVerre celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange.
Title & Description
MusVerre Artist Residency 2026 – MusVerre, Sars-Poteries, France
In 2026, MusVerre marks a triple anniversary: 50 years of its glass workshop, 10 years of its contemporary museum architecture, and 40 years since the archaeological discovery of local potteries. To commemorate this, the museum invites glass artists and collectives (up to three members) to participate in a 60-day residency between 1 September and 5 December 2026.
The residency encourages participants to explore the theme “Interior / Exterior”, reflecting on the MusVerre site, its architectural context, surrounding landscapes, collections, and the materiality of glass. Artists will have the opportunity to develop creative, experimental, or research-based projects, utilizing the museum’s technical, human, and material resources. Projects will culminate in a public presentation at MusVerre’s temporary exhibition space, L’Echappée, from February to May 2027, and potentially at Pavillon Fourmarier in Chaudfontaine, Belgium, during the Five Seasons Festival from June to September 2027.
This residency offers a unique chance for artists to integrate historical glassmaking heritage with contemporary experimentation while engaging local and international audiences.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Glass Art / Glassmaking
- Contemporary Art
- Experimental and Research-Based Practices
Eligibility
- International artists and collectives (maximum 3 members)
- At least one participant must have expertise in a glass-related discipline
- Ability to communicate in English or French
- Open to professional artists with previous experience in public engagement or exhibitions
Program Benefits & Awards
- Residency Duration: Up to 60 days
- Accommodation: Individual rooms, shared living spaces, kitchen, recreational area, and garden at the MusVerre workshop
- Technical Support: Access to a fully equipped glass workshop (hot and cold work, sandblasting, assembling, plastering units)
- Financial Support:
- Project materials funded up to €2,400 (incl. VAT)
- Per diem of €45/day
- Transportation is covered up to €900 per round trip
- Exhibition Opportunities: Dual presentation at MusVerre and Lieux-Communs locations
- Mentorship and guidance from the MusVerre workshop team and external jury experts
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Biography & CV: Maximum 2 pages
- Portfolio: Maximum 10 pages demonstrating artistic approach
- Statement of Intent: Maximum 3 pages outlining motivation, research interests, proposed methodology, and relationship to the “Interior/Exterior” theme
- Applications should highlight public engagement experience
- Documents may be in English or French
- All materials must be submitted in compressed PDF format (max 4 MB)
How to Apply?
Submit via email to: musverre@lenord.fr
Email subject line: Application [Artist's Name] – 2026 residency open call - MusVerre
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
- Jury Meeting / Selection: May 2026
- Residency Period: 1 September – 5 December 2026
- Exhibition at MusVerre (L’Echappée): February – 23 May 2027
- Exhibition at Pavillon Fourmarier, Belgium: June – September 2027 (subject to confirmation)
Location
Sars-Poteries, Nord, France
Additional Details
- Projects must be operationally feasible within the allocated budget
- Residents may work individually or as a collective; one member must deliver the technical glassmaking component
- Selected projects may be donated to MusVerre
- Compliance with MusVerre’s residency regulations is mandatory
- MusVerre promotes equality, parity, diversity, and sustainable practices