With France known as the birthplace of photography, thanks to French inventors Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre, Paris is the most important historical hub for lens-based image-makers. L'AiR Arts Photography Research Residency is designed to allow participants to situate their creative practice within historical and contemporary Parisian contexts.
The immersive residency program offers a stimulating experience of intercultural exchange, research, and professional development. Participants have the opportunity to build lasting connections with their fellow residents, while also expanding their network of Paris-based arts practitioners, visiting relevant organizations, and presenting their work.
To better understand the historical context of the contemporary art scene, residents will tour artistic Montparnasse, following the steps of iconic photographers, such as Man Ray, Brassai and Lee Miller, and visit relevant institutions, such as Maison Européenne de la Photo, Fondation Henri Cartier Bresson and Maison Doisneau in Gentilly. Residents will visit some of the most important institutions for contemporary photography in Paris: Le Bal and Jeu de Paume, as well as some commercial galleries such as Polka, Galerie Esther Woerdehoff, Galerie Camera Obscura, Galerie Binome, and Les Douches.
The residency also provides an opportunity for professional development and skill-sharing by offering access to photo labs and schools such as Paris College of Art, as well as visiting studios of Paris-based photographers. Artists will have the chance to work with analog and digital photography, as well as alternative processes. Workshops on specific topics will be offered by local professionals. Curators will facilitate group discussions and offer opportunities for individual portfolio readings and mentorship. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their work and engage in further discussion with local public.
2020/21 Residency:
Residency Offer
The details of each residency are indicated in the invitation letter issued to the selected candidates. The offer for international participants usually includes:
Program Fees and Funding
As L'AiR Arts is a registered not-for-profit organisation, our residency fee only aims to cover the costs, already subsidized by our individual and institutional partners. The residency fee covers all the components, from the accommodation, most meals and local transportation, to creative space and curated programming. The exact fee depends on the particular program offer, its duration, accommodation preference and funding support.
Limited scholarship opportunities are available through our program for artists based in less economically developed countries and artists chosen by art collectors / patrons on our selection committee.
All the selected candidates receive an invitation letter indicating the specific fee of their residency, which can be used for further funding search through national and international agencies. For more information, please see our Funding page.
The immersive residency program offers a stimulating experience of intercultural exchange, research, and professional development. Participants have the opportunity to build lasting connections with their fellow residents, while also expanding their network of Paris-based arts practitioners, visiting relevant organizations, and presenting their work.
To better understand the historical context of the contemporary art scene, residents will tour artistic Montparnasse, following the steps of iconic photographers, such as Man Ray, Brassai and Lee Miller, and visit relevant institutions, such as Maison Européenne de la Photo, Fondation Henri Cartier Bresson and Maison Doisneau in Gentilly. Residents will visit some of the most important institutions for contemporary photography in Paris: Le Bal and Jeu de Paume, as well as some commercial galleries such as Polka, Galerie Esther Woerdehoff, Galerie Camera Obscura, Galerie Binome, and Les Douches.
The residency also provides an opportunity for professional development and skill-sharing by offering access to photo labs and schools such as Paris College of Art, as well as visiting studios of Paris-based photographers. Artists will have the chance to work with analog and digital photography, as well as alternative processes. Workshops on specific topics will be offered by local professionals. Curators will facilitate group discussions and offer opportunities for individual portfolio readings and mentorship. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their work and engage in further discussion with local public.
2020/21 Residency:
- Learn about Inaugural Photography Project at Atelier 11
- Meet the international artists-in-residence in Paris. See the Program Schedule (September 16th to 30th, 2021)
- Visit Beyond the Frame: Image in Action exhibition
Residency Offer
The details of each residency are indicated in the invitation letter issued to the selected candidates. The offer for international participants usually includes:
- Accommodation in either a private or shared room (based on preferences and availability)
- Flexible meal plan, based on half-board of buffet breakfast and either lunch or dinner of traditional French cuisine (with a to-go option)
- Welcoming and closing dinner / reception at a historic restaurant or an artistic venue
- Professional development programme (visits, meetings and other facilitated group activities co-hosted with our program partners)
- Access to photography lab
- Portfolio readings and discussion session with curators
- Support for artists to encourage integration
- Access to the Centre's facilities including, plenty of common areas, cafe, an outdoor terrace and garden, laundry facility, meeting rooms and internet access (wifi) for personal laptops
- Paris Museum Pass and/or admission to a special venue/event
- Paris metro tickets
- Exposure on L'AiR Arts website and social media
- One-year membership and invitation to participate in residency projects and exhibitions
Program Fees and Funding
As L'AiR Arts is a registered not-for-profit organisation, our residency fee only aims to cover the costs, already subsidized by our individual and institutional partners. The residency fee covers all the components, from the accommodation, most meals and local transportation, to creative space and curated programming. The exact fee depends on the particular program offer, its duration, accommodation preference and funding support.
Limited scholarship opportunities are available through our program for artists based in less economically developed countries and artists chosen by art collectors / patrons on our selection committee.
All the selected candidates receive an invitation letter indicating the specific fee of their residency, which can be used for further funding search through national and international agencies. For more information, please see our Funding page.
Application and Selection Process
2022/23 Residency Dates: TBA
The program is open to professional artists at any stage in their career, who use photography as the primary medium of their artistic practice. Arts professionals, curators and art historians, who specialize in photography are also invited to apply. Participants will be selected based on the quality of their application, and its relevance to current discourse on photography.
Submissions from all countries are welcome, but an intermediate level of English is required in order to understand and interact with others on the program.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of international and Paris-based arts professionals. The selection process includes an open call application and panel process, nominations and invitations.
To apply please complete the online application form.
2022/23 Residency Dates: TBA
The program is open to professional artists at any stage in their career, who use photography as the primary medium of their artistic practice. Arts professionals, curators and art historians, who specialize in photography are also invited to apply. Participants will be selected based on the quality of their application, and its relevance to current discourse on photography.
Submissions from all countries are welcome, but an intermediate level of English is required in order to understand and interact with others on the program.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of international and Paris-based arts professionals. The selection process includes an open call application and panel process, nominations and invitations.
To apply please complete the online application form.
Image: Dennis Stock by Andreas Feininger, 1951