Since 2021, Villa Albertine has brought to life exploratory residencies throughout the United States. These residencies are designed as research-focused experiences, which aim to inspire and foster connections with local experts and stakeholders. These connections inspire new works, exhibitions, and collaborations that deepen reflection and enrich the relationship between French and American societies. Ahead of its fifth anniversary, the residency program has welcomed more than 370 artists and intellectuals from 15 disciplines in 60 cities and regions of the US.
In 2027, Villa Albertine will welcome a new cohort of artists and thinkers who will develop projects that can only take shape with a stay in the United States. In total, around fifty residencies in all disciplines will be supported across the U.S. Lasting between one and three months, most residencies will be based in a single city, while a few will take place in several locations.
The disciplines and professional fields considered may include, but are not limited to, visual arts, architecture, photography, performing arts, street arts, music (excluding applicants covered by the Classical Music call for applications), cinema, television , literature, nonfiction, comics, children’s literature, museology, heritage, art history, perfume, fashion, digital creation (immersive experiences, video games, and other forms of creation related to new technologies, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality), podcasts, culinary arts, etc. Interdisciplinary projects and cross-disciplinary approaches among several fields of research are also welcome.
An exploratory residency, as envisioned and supported by Villa Albertine, is not a solitary endeavour but rather a field investigation, one that inspires creativity and builds connections. What gives the project its meaning is its relationship to the territory itself. Encounters, visits, events, and exchanges all serve to enrich the resident’s work.
Alongside the support provided by Villa Albertine, the exploratory residency model emphasises the importance of initiative and independence, which are essential qualities for making the most of a field-based research experience.
Note: The call is not limited to French or Francophone applicants alone, and is open to any creator, researcher, or cultural professional who meets the eligibility criteria outlined below, including the support of a French partner.
Villa Albertine will also support residents in their analysis of material and logistical requirements to best conduct the projects. It will manage the residents’ arrival and stay and will cover related travel costs and living expenses. This includes:
- Residency allowance covering everyday expenses (meals, local transport, etc.).
- International and domestic travel costs
- Accommodations
- Car rental (if the nature of the city or project requires a car)
- Health, public liability, and repatriation insurance
