Organizer Information

Villa Albertine is a cultural institution under the aegis of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, strongly supported by the Albertine Foundation. Its mission is to foster deep cultural, intellectual, and artistic exchange between France (and the Francophone world) and the United States through residencies, research, and dialogue. Across its network in ten U.S. cities, Villa Albertine provides infrastructure, partnerships, and local support to creatives and thinkers embarking on transatlantic projects.

Title & Description

General Call for Applications – 2027 Residencies
Villa Albertine invites creators, researchers, and cultural professionals to propose immersive, exploratory projects in the United States for residencies lasting between one and three months during 2027. These residencies are field-based: rather than focusing on production, they emphasise research, dialogue, and engagement with local ecosystems. Participants are encouraged to design projects that deeply respond to the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of the U.S. territory they choose, and to build long-term, meaningful collaborations.

Categories

This call is multi-disciplinary. Disciplines considered include, but are not limited to:

  • Visual Art
  • Architecture
  • Photography
  • Performing Arts / Theatre / Dance
  • Street Art
  • Music (non-classical)
  • Cinema & Television
  • Literature (fiction & nonfiction)
  • Comics & Children’s Literature
  • Museology & Art History
  • Perfume & Fashion
  • Digital Creation (video games, immersive, AI / VR)
  • Podcasts & Culinary Arts

Eligibility

  • Who can apply: International applicants — not limited to French or Francophone creators.
  • Professional status: Open to both emerging and established creators, researchers, and culture professionals.
  • Age: The candidate must be at least 21 years old before the proposed start of residency.
  • Team / Group Applications: Primarily individual applications. Joint applications for two people are accepted only if collaboration is clearly justified. Groups of more than two are not permitted.
  • Language: Fluency in English is required; part of the application includes a video in English.
  • French Partner: Applicants must secure a French partner organization (public or private, based in France) to support their project (in design, promotion, or post-residency follow-up).

Program Benefits & Awards

Villa Albertine offers substantial support for selected residents:

  • Living expenses allowance: Covers daily costs (e.g., ~$100/day example given for Washington, D.C.)
  • Accommodation: Provided by Villa Albertine.
  • Travel costs: Both international and U.S. domestic travel are covered.
  • Logistics support: Health insurance, liability, and repatriation insurance are provided.
  • Local integration: Each resident is supported by the Villa Albertine office in the chosen city (or region) through curated visits, meetings, and introductions to local experts, networks, and partners.
  • Autonomy + field support: The model emphasises independence and initiative; it’s designed as “field investigation” rather than a production residency.
  • Mobility: For those proposing itinerant residencies (multi-city), Villa Albertine may support domestic travel and adapt the project accordingly (though very few of these are selected).

Application Fee

No Entry fee

Application Requirements

  1. Project proposal describing the research or creative project, its relevance to the chosen U.S. territory, and engagement plan with local actors.
  2. CV / Résumé summarizing professional experience (Villa Albertine suggests fewer than 10 pages).
  3. Short video (max. 3 minutes): a self-introduction in English — simple camera, no need for editing, discussing your background and the proposed project.
  4. Letter of support from a French partner organisation (PDF). The letter should be addressed to Mr. Mohamed Bouabdallah, Director of Villa Albertine.
  5. Residency logistics: indicate the desired U.S. city or territory, duration (1-3 months), and if applicable, an itinerary for a multi-city residency.
  6. Written responses on the application form, in English, for questions that require it.

How to Apply

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 29 January 2026
  • Residency Period: Between January and December of 2027.
  • Information Session: Online info session (in French) — 11 December 2025,

Location

In the United States. Villa Albertine has offices in 10 U.S. cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Additional Details

  • Selection Process: Three-stage evaluation: (1) disciplinary experts at Villa Albertine, (2) shortlisting by American juries in each city, (3) final jury in New York composed of prominent international arts/culture professionals.
  • French Partner Requirement: The French partner does not need to provide funding, but they must support the project through expertise, promotion, or post-residency work.
  • Adaptability: Villa Albertine may propose adjustments to the duration or itinerary to ensure project feasibility.
  • Companions: Residents are generally expected to come alone, but exceptions (parent + child, disability) may be accommodated — companions are not covered financially.
  • Responsibility for extras: If the project requires technical resources, workspace, or specialised materials, the applicant should detail how they will secure that (partnerships, external funding, etc.) in their application.
  • Mobility considerations: If working in widespread U.S. regions, having a driver’s license is strongly recommended.

Website Link: https://villa-albertine.org/va/professionals/

ResidencyAccommodationStipendTravel costs