Organizer Information
The ADAGP (Société des Auteurs dans les Arts Graphiques et Plastiques) is the primary French collective management organization for visual arts, representing over 200,000 artists worldwide. Its mission extends beyond rights management to actively supporting contemporary creation through various grants and residency programs.
For the "Wool and Creation" initiative, the ADAGP partners with two prestigious institutions:
-
Casa de Velázquez: Based in Madrid, this institution is part of the network of French Schools abroad. It serves as a major artistic and scientific center, fostering creative exchange between France and Spain.
-
Mobilier National: A historic French institution under the Ministry of Culture, responsible for furnishing official state buildings and conserving exceptional textiles. It oversees the national manufactures of Gobelins, Beauvais, and Savonnerie, which have utilized wool for centuries.
Title & Description
4th Call for "Wool and Creation" Research Residency
The "Wool and Creation" (Laine et Création) residency is a unique program designed to explore the artistic potential of wool as a primary material. Now in its fourth edition, the residency aims to highlight the traditional métiers and craftsmanship of the European wool industry, which currently faces significant relocation and sustainability challenges.
Selected artists are invited to undertake a three-month research and production stay in Madrid. The program is not merely a studio stay but a deep dive into the heritage of the fiber, specifically Merino wool, which is essential to the production of national tapestries and carpets. Residents are encouraged to experiment with the material's properties, investigate its history, and develop innovative prototypes that bridge ancestral techniques with contemporary visual arts and design.
Categories
The call is open to professional artists and creators working in:
-
Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Installation)
-
Design
-
Craft and Textile Art
-
Mixed Media
Eligibility
-
National/International: Open to artists of the "French scene" (meaning French nationals living abroad or international artists residing/working in France for at least 5 years).
-
Career Stage: Aimed at mid-career artists with at least 10 years of professional experience.
-
Focus: Preference is given to candidates who have not previously benefited from a residency at Casa de Velázquez.
-
Language: Applications must be submitted in French.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected laureate receives a comprehensive support package:
-
Stipend: A living grant of €6,000 (gross) for the three-month period.
-
Production Fund: An additional €2,000 specifically for the creation of a prototype.
-
Travel Costs: Coverage of round-trip travel between the artist's home and Madrid (up to €800).
-
Accommodation: A dedicated housing and studio space at the Casa de Velázquez in Madrid.
-
Access: Access to technical facilities (engraving, sculpture, recording studios, library) and a connection with the Real Fábrica de Tapices in Madrid and the Mobilier National color charts.
-
Pre-selection Reward: The four finalist candidates receive €500 to help prepare their detailed project files for the second selection round.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
-
CV: Maximum 2 pages.
-
Artistic Portfolio: 5 to 10 pages containing around ten visuals of recent works with full captions.
-
Note of Intent: A maximum 2-page project proposal explaining why this specific residency is necessary for the artist's research.
-
French Scene Certificate: A downloadable model confirming eligibility as part of the French artistic scene.
How to Apply?
Online ApplicationKey Dates
-
Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
-
Announcement of 4 Finalists: Early March 2026
-
Submission of Finalist Files: 7 April 2026
-
Residency Period: September 15, 2026 – December 15, 2026.
Location
France
Residency Location: Casa de Velázquez, Madrid, Spain
Additional Details
The selection process involves two stages: an initial shortlisting of four candidates, followed by a final jury interview. Finalists in the second stage must provide a detailed project description (5 pages), visuals/sketches of the proposed prototype, and a provisional budget and schedule.