About the Open Call

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. 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 United States. 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. Each applicant is invited to imagine a creative project that engages with the dynamics and specific characteristics of the territory they wish to explore. Villa Albertine is looking for creators, researchers, and culture professionals with an original research project they wish to pursue in the field of arts or ideas that requires an immersive stay in the United States. The project should relate to the challenges of the territory explored and should initiate active dialogue with local actors. The disciplines and professional fields considered may include, but are not limited to, visual arts, architecture, photography, performing arts, street arts, music (excluding classical), 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, and culinary arts. Interdisciplinary projects are also welcome. The residency's primary goal is to foster the artistic development of the resident’s project. Applicants can choose one of the ten cities where Villa Albertine has a permanent office (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Washington DC), or another city or territory. Traveling residencies are also possible.

What is Offered

Villa Albertine provides individualized support including mobilization of a team of 80 people across 10 cities, establishment of partnerships with French and American organizations, tailored appointments and visits, and expert knowledge of the local artistic and cultural scene and its network. Financial support includes a residency allowance covering everyday expenses (e.g., $100 per diem in Washington D.C.), international and domestic travel costs, accommodations, car rental (if required), and health, public liability, and repatriation insurance. Villa Albertine cannot commit to covering expenses beyond these travel and living costs. If specific needs (technical, material, workspace) are identified, applicants should present solutions for viability (e.g., partnerships, extra financial support).

Requirements

Eligible candidates must have professional experience in their field, demonstrated through a CV or portfolio (less than ten pages). Fluency in English is required, proven by a short, three-minute (max) introductory video. Applicants must have the support of a French partner, based in France, which can be any public or private French entity (cultural institution, organization, publishing house, etc.), with a letter of interest addressed to Mr. Mohamed Bouabdallah. Candidates must be at least 21 years old before their planned date of departure for the residency. The project should be clearly articulated, relevant to local dynamics and challenges in the U.S., and feasible for Villa Albertine to support. For non-French applicants living outside countries eligible for the “Visa Waiver Program,” the French partner must be able to sign an agreement with Villa Albertine to handle administrative management of the residency and entry procedures for the U.S. Candidates should be able to adapt to regional restrictions, such as having a driver’s license for sprawling cities like Los Angeles. Individual applications are primarily favored, but joint applications (up to two people) may be accepted if artistic or intellectual collaboration is clearly justified.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted by January 29, 2026 at 11:59pm, French Time (UTC +1), by completing the form at https://candidatures.villa-albertine.org/fr/applications/calls-for-applications-villa-albertine-2027-season. It is strongly recommended not to wait until the deadline. An applicant may only submit one application per season. Applications can be revised at any time before the closing date. For applications that require the participation of two people, only one application must be submitted, with each participant presenting themselves in the same form. All written responses to questions must be in English. The candidate should mention the territory and the desired duration of the residency.