Overview
Established in 1965 as a foundation of public utility (fondation reconnue d’utilité publique), the Cité internationale des arts is one of the world’s largest and most influential artist-in-residence complexes, located in Paris, France. Operating across two iconic central locations—the main Marais campus on Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville and an intimate site in Montmartre—the Cité houses over 300 live-in studios (ateliers-logements). Supported by the City of Paris, the French Ministry of Culture, and a network of over 135 international partners, the foundation accommodates more than 1,000 artists, curators, and researchers from around 90 countries each year.
Mission
The Cité internationale des arts aims to foster international cultural dialogue, artistic creation, and interdisciplinary research by providing professional creators with time, space, and living-working infrastructure in Paris. Grounded in a cooperative, open-minded, and non-restrictive ethos, the foundation seeks to connect international residents with the French and European cultural ecosystems, promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting artistic mobility regardless of nationality or discipline.
Programs / Opportunities
- Partner Residency Programs: The majority of residencies, funded and selected by 135+ global partner institutions (universities, ministries of culture, foundations, and foreign academies) using dedicated live-in studios for stays ranging from 2 to 12 months.
- Direct Application Residencies (“2-12 Program”): Open calls allowing independent artists, curators, and researchers to apply directly to the Cité for self-funded or externally sponsored residencies lasting between 2 and 12 months.
- Curatorial & Research Fellowships: Thematic, fully funded residency calls organized directly by the Cité in collaboration with institutional partners, focusing on contemporary critical inquiry, performance, or specific geographic regions.
- Specialized Workshop & Studio Facilities: Access to shared technical facilities, including printmaking/engraving workshops, silkscreen printing stations, ceramic/sculpture spaces, music rehearsal rooms, and an auditorium.
- Public Open Studios & Programming: Regular open studio events (Sous les réverbères), gallery exhibitions, artist talks, performances, and concerts presenting resident works to the public and art professionals.
Target Community
- Multidisciplinary Creators & Researchers: Professional visual artists, musicians, composers, performers, writers, filmmakers, architects, designers, art critics, and curators across all career stages worldwide.
- Institutional Network & Partners: Over 135 international partner organizations (e.g., Institut Français, foreign embassies, universities, art councils) and the French cultural ministry/city administration.
- Parisian & Global Art Public: Curators, gallerists, critics, art historians, and the local public participating in open studios, lectures, and exhibitions across Paris.
