Free Artist Residencies in France

Abstract Mag

Côte d’Azur, France

The Abstract Mag Summer Residency is a fully funded, two-week artist residency held in the South of France, providing 50 selected artists with an immersive creative experience. Open to artists working in painting, drawing, graphics, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and textile art, the program offers a chance to explore their practice in an inspiring setting. Participants will stay in a historic château with all expenses covered, including travel, accommodation, meals, and art supplies. The residency features excursions to major art institutions such as the Picasso Museum and Fondation Maeght, fostering cultural and artistic enrichment. At the end of the program, residents will participate in a group exhibition at a partner gallery, with their works featured in a printed publication. Additionally, 50 partnering galleries will consider the residents’ work for future collaborations. The program is designed to support artists in deepening their practice while engaging with a creative community in the culturally rich Côte d’Azur region.

AWARE

Paris, France

AWARE: Archives of Women Artists, Research and Exhibitions, offers a three-month research residency at Villa Vassilieff in Paris, focusing on women and non-binary photographers and video artists. The residency provides participants with accommodation in a 44m² independent living and working studio, access to AWARE’s extensive resource center, and a monthly stipend of €900. Residents will have the opportunity to engage with AWARE’s institutional, artistic, and academic networks, and are encouraged to host a public event and produce a research article for publication. The residency is designed for scholars, curators, and researchers whose work explores gender representation in photography and video art. Applications are evaluated by an international jury and selected based on artistic merit and the project’s relevance to AWARE’s mission. Travel costs to and from Paris are covered, and residents will benefit from a vibrant academic and cultural environment at Villa Vassilieff.

Camargo Foundation

Cassis, France

The Camargo Foundation, nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Cassis, France, has been a beacon for pioneering research, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the Arts and Humanities since 1971. With the mission to foster groundbreaking creative and scholarly work, the foundation annually awards the prestigious Camargo Fellowship, along with hosting various other programs aimed at enriching the global arts and humanities discourse. The foundation welcomes applicants from all corners of the globe, embracing diversity and a wide array of creative thought and practice across three main categories: Scholars, Thinkers, and Artists. Scholars engage with French, Francophone, and Mediterranean cultures through arts and humanities research. Thinkers, including curators, journalists, and practitioners in cultural fields, contribute critical thought aligned with the arts and society. Artists across all disciplines are expected to be the primary creators of new work, bringing a mature artistic voice to their projects. The Camargo Foundation facilitates collaborative projects and supports interdisciplinary endeavors, providing a platform for individuals and teams to research, experiment, and create. Residents participate in exchanges and networking, presenting their work within an interdisciplinary setting, and engaging with the local and international community. With its serene setting, the foundation offers a stimulating environment for residents to pursue their projects, underpinned by a commitment to deepening understanding and dialogue across cultures and disciplines.

Centre International d’Art et du Paysage (CIAPV)

Beaumont-du-Lac, France

The Centre International d’Art et du Paysage (CIAPV) on Vassivière Island, France, supports research, experimentation, production, and dissemination of contemporary art. The CIAPV is unique within the French artistic landscape, known for its remarkable contemporary architecture and open-air permanent collection. The residency program offers an immersive experience in the landscape, history, and culture of Vassivière Island, fostering artistic experimentation and public engagement. The upcoming thematic residency, “Landscape and the Commons,” invites an artist-scientist duo to explore the relationship between landscape and the commons.

Fondation d’entreprise Martell

Cognac, France

The Fondation d'entreprise Martell, situated in Cognac, France, actively supports designers, artists, and humanities researchers through residencies aimed at research, experimentation, prototyping, and production. This initiative provides a platform for creative individuals to engage with and develop projects that address ecological and social transition issues. The Foundation's facilities include multi-disciplinary workshops and a shared living archive which supports the residents' creative processes and encourages local and international collaborations.

Iméra (Imera)

Marseille, France

Iméra, the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) at Aix-Marseille University, offers interdisciplinary residencies in collaboration with various global institutions. Established to support advanced research, the residency program is available for both academic researchers and artists. The residencies range from 5 to 10 months, and participants have access to a multidisciplinary cohort, fostering collaboration between fields such as arts, sciences, and social sciences. Iméra provides its residents with housing, a living allowance, research budget, and access to the scientific and cultural resources of the Aix-Marseille academic and cultural community. The residency includes mandatory participation in the weekly Community Building Seminar, a central activity designed to promote interdisciplinary dialogue among residents. With partnerships like the Fulbright/Iméra Chair in Migration Studies, Iméra continues to support high-level international scholars and artists, creating a dynamic platform for collaborative research and artistic creation.

L’AiR Arts

Paris, France

L’AiR Arts is an international residency program located in Montparnasse, Paris, focused on fostering intercultural exchange through art and research. The program is based at Atelier 11, a historic site that has been a hub for international artists since the 19th century. L’AiR Arts offers residencies to artists and cultural professionals from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, promoting artistic exchange, research, and professional development. Participants engage in both self-directed projects and curated group programs, connecting with local Paris-based professionals, institutions, and galleries. The residency aims to preserve the artistic legacy of the École de Paris while encouraging contemporary creation. Residents have access to studio and living spaces, participate in public programs, and present their work in various formats. L’AiR Arts is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for artists at all stages of their careers.

La Métive (Metive)

Moutier-d’Ahun, France

La Métive is an international residency program located in the rural village of Moutier-d’Ahun, France, in the heart of the Creuse region. Founded in 2002, the residency offers artists, authors, and researchers a unique space to engage in process-oriented research without the pressure of producing specific outcomes. The residency takes place in a beautifully renovated historical mill that provides 400 m² of workspaces, including a dance hall, rehearsal room, and exhibition space. Accommodation is provided in a large house with eight bedrooms, along with access to a garden, communal spaces, and various work areas. The residency emphasizes deep connections with the environment, the local community, and fellow residents, offering financial support that includes a per diem and travel allowance.

La Napoule Art Foundation (LNAF)

Mandelieu-La Napoule, France

La Napoule Art Foundation (LNAF) offers prestigious international residencies at the historic Château de La Napoule in the Côte d’Azur, France. Open to artists of all disciplines and nationalities, the residency provides a unique environment that fosters artistic creation, cultural exchange, and community building. Residents are housed in the Villa Marguerite, which offers private rooms with baths, and stunning views of the sea or gardens. Each resident is provided with a studio space and a stipend, and is encouraged to engage with other artists during communal meals and activities. The residency supports artistic practice through focused work time and provides opportunities for cultural enrichment in one of France’s most artistically inspiring regions. The International Artist Residency takes place twice a year, with additional specific programs for Canadian artists and filmmakers.

Lafayette Anticipations

Paris, France

Since 2020, Lafayette Anticipations has extended its commitment to supporting contemporary creation through the À l’œuvre! Creation Support Programme. This program offers artists a grant, exceptional equipment, and support from the Fondation’s curatorial and production teams, allowing them to explore crucial stages of creation: research, experimentation, and design. The program emphasizes sustainable production practices, providing comprehensive support and resources to the selected artist.

Le Wonder

Bobigny, France

Le Wonder is an artist-run collective and residency space located in Bobigny, on the outskirts of Paris, France. Founded in 2013, it occupies large, repurposed industrial complexes and offers both individual and shared studios along with extensive technical resources. The organization emphasizes independence, experimentation, and collective work across a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, performance, and culinary practices. It fosters a collaborative environment where residents can engage deeply with the local and international art scene. Le Wonder runs a research and creation residency for international and French artists and curators outside the Paris region, focusing on experimentation rather than production. Artists receive financial support and access to comprehensive studio facilities and mentorship from members of the collective. The residency is embedded in a strong network of local art institutions and partners, enhancing artists’ professional development. It is supported by public funding and part of the Arts en Résidence network.

Lee Ufan Arles

Arles, France

Lee Ufan Arles, in partnership with Maison Guerlain, offers the Art & Environment Prize to support artists whose work resonates with themes of nature and the environment. This initiative provides a six- to eight-week residency in Arles, France, where the winner receives a production space and accommodation. The program fosters connections with local and international artists, curators, and the public, enabling the artist to develop and execute their project. The residency culminates in a summer exhibition at one of Lee Ufan Arles’ spaces. Open to artists of all disciplines and nationalities, the prize emphasizes originality, relevance, and coherence with environmental themes. The jury, chaired by Lee Ufan, includes prominent figures from both Lee Ufan Arles and Guerlain.

Les Récollets

Paris, France

Les Récollets is an 80-unit furnished international residence in Paris's 10th arrondissement dedicated to hosting established researchers, scientists, and artists from around the world. The center provides accommodation with hotel-like services and fosters interdisciplinary creative exchange among residents from diverse fields. It serves as a space for artists and researchers to develop specific projects while engaging with Paris's cultural institutions and community.

Palais de Tokyo – Le Pavillon

Paris, France

The Palais de Tokyo – Le Pavillon (also known as Pavillon Neuflize OBC) was an artist-in-residence program and research lab at Palais de Tokyo in Paris, directed by Ange Leccia from 2001 to 2017, hosting over 130 international emerging artists.[1][4] It offered an eight-month residency from November to June, sponsored by curators, featuring collective projects abroad and in France, plus solo exhibitions or performances at Palais de Tokyo.[1][2] Residents received a monthly stipend, a studio at Cité Internationale des Arts, shared workspace at Palais de Tokyo, and coverage of program-related expenses.[1]

S+T+ARTS

Berlin, Germany

S+T+ARTS (Science + Technology + Arts) is an initiative launched by the European Commission to foster alliances between science, technology, and the arts. This initiative aims to tackle the complex challenges of our times by integrating artistic practices into research and innovation processes. Through various programs and residencies, S+T+ARTS supports collaborative projects that address pressing societal issues such as sustainability, digital transformation, and social inclusiveness. The organization facilitates residencies, awards, and collaborative projects, connecting artists with scientists, technologists, and industry experts across Europe. S+T+ARTS residencies offer artists the opportunity to work in diverse environments, from high-tech laboratories to remote ecological sites, providing the resources and support needed to develop innovative solutions. These projects are designed to stimulate critical thinking, promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, and inspire new ways of addressing global challenges. S+T+ARTS is committed to promoting a sustainable future by aligning its projects with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal. By supporting art-driven innovation, S+T+ARTS aims to enhance public awareness, drive policy changes, and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and resilient society.