L'AiR Arts Paris: Live, Work, Meet, Explore and Present
The L'AiR Arts Curated Professional Program is specially designed to enable participants to situate their artistic exploration and practice within both the historical and contemporary context of art creation in Paris.
This immersive art residency program offers a stimulating experience of intercultural exchange, research and professional development. Structured as a forum, this residency allows for an emphasis on meeting, connecting and inter-cultural exchange while engaging with the unique history and contemporary scene in Paris. Residents have an opportunity to build lasting connections with the fellow peers and expand their network of Paris-based arts professionals and organizations.
L’AiR Arts grounds its commitment to the contemporary arts within a historical perspective. The program not only provides the opportunity to explore Paris and have a space in which to comfortably stay and work, it also offers an insider’s view into the important role that international artists have played in Paris from the late 19th century to the present day. Located in Montparnasse, known as a historic hub for international artists during the 20th century École de Paris period, the residency program is dedicated to the historical legacy of this prolific period of intercultural artistic exchange.
The program offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the history of the École de Paris while reflecting on the significance of Atelier 11 as central to the international artist community in the past and its renewed role in the future. To foster meaningful encounters and connections, this program provides participants with the opportunity to meet local artists, curators, art historians, and gallerists working in Paris today. Residents also have the opportunity to participate in a facilitated group discussion to exchange ideas and share their work. During this residency, participants explore different artistic neighbourhoods of Paris, visit historic artist studios, many of which are normally closed to the public, as well as art academies and meeting places where the ideas that shaped modern art as we know it were formed.
While mostly focusing on on visual arts and expanded art practices, some program sessions offer an in-depth exploration of a particular art discipline, such as drawing or photography, whereas others are more multidisciplinary concentrating on the intercultural exchange and rich history of the city as a hub for the multicultural artistic community. Professional research visits are organized to relevant arts and culture institutions and international art fairs falling within the duration of each program, making this an especially exciting, vibrant and culturally rich time to visit Paris. The focus of each residency session ties into these events, to ensure programming which maximises the opportunities and engagement relevant to the activities within the local arts scene.
There is a good balance between organized events and independent exploration of Paris. Participants are invited to focus on an individual research project or self-organize into small groups and explore Paris together. Like many artists visiting Paris from around the world, you can find inspiration in the city's cafes, alleyways, and bars.
These components of the residency not only highlight the role that international artistic dialogue in Paris played in the development of modern art, but also encourage participants to reflect on ways in which the artistic exchange provided by this residency could influence their contemporary art practice.
This immersive art residency program offers a stimulating experience of intercultural exchange, research and professional development. Structured as a forum, this residency allows for an emphasis on meeting, connecting and inter-cultural exchange while engaging with the unique history and contemporary scene in Paris. Residents have an opportunity to build lasting connections with the fellow peers and expand their network of Paris-based arts professionals and organizations.
L’AiR Arts grounds its commitment to the contemporary arts within a historical perspective. The program not only provides the opportunity to explore Paris and have a space in which to comfortably stay and work, it also offers an insider’s view into the important role that international artists have played in Paris from the late 19th century to the present day. Located in Montparnasse, known as a historic hub for international artists during the 20th century École de Paris period, the residency program is dedicated to the historical legacy of this prolific period of intercultural artistic exchange.
The program offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the history of the École de Paris while reflecting on the significance of Atelier 11 as central to the international artist community in the past and its renewed role in the future. To foster meaningful encounters and connections, this program provides participants with the opportunity to meet local artists, curators, art historians, and gallerists working in Paris today. Residents also have the opportunity to participate in a facilitated group discussion to exchange ideas and share their work. During this residency, participants explore different artistic neighbourhoods of Paris, visit historic artist studios, many of which are normally closed to the public, as well as art academies and meeting places where the ideas that shaped modern art as we know it were formed.
While mostly focusing on on visual arts and expanded art practices, some program sessions offer an in-depth exploration of a particular art discipline, such as drawing or photography, whereas others are more multidisciplinary concentrating on the intercultural exchange and rich history of the city as a hub for the multicultural artistic community. Professional research visits are organized to relevant arts and culture institutions and international art fairs falling within the duration of each program, making this an especially exciting, vibrant and culturally rich time to visit Paris. The focus of each residency session ties into these events, to ensure programming which maximises the opportunities and engagement relevant to the activities within the local arts scene.
There is a good balance between organized events and independent exploration of Paris. Participants are invited to focus on an individual research project or self-organize into small groups and explore Paris together. Like many artists visiting Paris from around the world, you can find inspiration in the city's cafes, alleyways, and bars.
These components of the residency not only highlight the role that international artistic dialogue in Paris played in the development of modern art, but also encourage participants to reflect on ways in which the artistic exchange provided by this residency could influence their contemporary art practice.
Program Duration
The duration of the residency depends on the program and might include both physical and online components. The physical part of the residency in Paris usually runs for a period of two weeks.
Upcoming Program Dates
2024 Artistic Research Forums: Heritage Routes, Networks and Connections
2025 Programs: Celebrating 150 years of Atelier 11 - intercultural artistic community in Paris
The dates and details of each residency are indicated in the invitation letter issued to the selected candidates.
Program Offer
As part of each program, L'AiR Arts provides residents with the following resources:
Travel, art materials and stipend are not included.
The duration of the residency depends on the program and might include both physical and online components. The physical part of the residency in Paris usually runs for a period of two weeks.
Upcoming Program Dates
2024 Artistic Research Forums: Heritage Routes, Networks and Connections
- October 6th - 20th (two weeks)
- November 5th - 19th (two weeks)
2025 Programs: Celebrating 150 years of Atelier 11 - intercultural artistic community in Paris
- March (dates tbc)
- June (dates tbc)
- October (dates tbc)
- November (dates tbc)
The dates and details of each residency are indicated in the invitation letter issued to the selected candidates.
Program Offer
As part of each program, L'AiR Arts provides residents with the following resources:
- Curated program - professional research visits, meetings and other facilitated group activities co-hosted with our program partners
- Accommodation at FIAP Jean Monnet Centre in Montparnasse. 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)
- Special access to the historical Atelier 11 space
- Special admission to various art venues/events and/or Paris Museum Pass
- Paris metro card/tickets
- Communications support - exposure on L'AiR Arts website and social media
- One-year membership and invitation to participate in residency projects and exhibitions
Travel, art materials and stipend are not included.
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 program fee (up to €200 per day) 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 for artists and cultural professionals from less economically developed countries, based on the OECD’s DAC list, as well as artists at risk or in exile.
All selected candidates receive an invitation letter indicating the specific condition of their residency, which can be used to seek further funding from national and international agencies. For more information, please see our Funding page.
Application and Selection Process
This program is open to artists and cultural professionals of any age and stage in their career, as we are aiming for a cross-generational mix of professionals working in all media and disciplines.
Candidates from every country of the world are welcomed, however an intermediate level of English is required to effectively interact with others. To attend the program candidate must be sufficiently independent to manage their residency.
Applications may be submitted on an ongoing basis with two deadlines per year - October 31st and April 30th. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of international and Paris-based arts professionals. The selection process may include an open call application and a panel process, as well as nomination or invitation.
To apply please complete the online application form.
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 program fee (up to €200 per day) 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 for artists and cultural professionals from less economically developed countries, based on the OECD’s DAC list, as well as artists at risk or in exile.
All selected candidates receive an invitation letter indicating the specific condition of their residency, which can be used to seek further funding from national and international agencies. For more information, please see our Funding page.
Application and Selection Process
This program is open to artists and cultural professionals of any age and stage in their career, as we are aiming for a cross-generational mix of professionals working in all media and disciplines.
Candidates from every country of the world are welcomed, however an intermediate level of English is required to effectively interact with others. To attend the program candidate must be sufficiently independent to manage their residency.
Applications may be submitted on an ongoing basis with two deadlines per year - October 31st and April 30th. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of international and Paris-based arts professionals. The selection process may include an open call application and a panel process, as well as nomination or invitation.
To apply please complete the online application form.
L'AiR Arts Curated Professional Program can be adapted for student groups. We welcome proposals from academic institutions and invite you to contact us with the specifics of your group.
I continue to be inspired by the collegiality, generosity and talent of the local and international artists who assembled in Paris for L’AiR Arts residency: I've quite literally never experienced anything like it!
- Helen Hopcroft, Australia (Artist-in-Residence, 2020)
My time at L'AiR Arts has been like the wind. Fast but hard hitting. I enjoyed emerging myself in the Parisian art world and am sure that this experience is going to stay fresh with me for a long time.
– Mahima Kapoor, India (Artist-in-Residence, 2018)
The L’AiR Arts Residency in Paris was a very intense and stimulating experience. I found the facilitated discussions extremely valuable to get constructive feedback on my art making. This feedback as well as conversations with the curator gave me a clear way forward with my art making. It was very convenient to have the studio space available to make planning sketches and connect with the other resident artists. I also found visiting the contemporary galleries, not-for-profit organisations, residencies, curators and gallerists very insightful and beneficial. The L’AiR Arts residency really promotes building your network in Paris. I also enjoyed presenting to the French primary school on South Africa, my artwork and Nelson Mandela. Thank you FIAP and L'AiR Arts for this exceptional experience - I came back inspired and enthused to continue making art.
- Sophia van Wyk, South Africa (Artist-in-Residence, 2018)
This was an in-depth introduction to the art historical legacy and contemporary art scenes in Paris today. Together with a wonderful team of historians and curators, we were able to gain access to many art venues, from major art museums and institutions hosted by their in-house representatives, to secluded historical sites, and artists studios, welcomed to local Paris-based arts communities. I highly recommend this for artists who seek deep immersion in the history and legacy of Paris and its profound influence on international art and culture.
- Marie Thibeault, artist and Professor of Art at California State University, Los Angeles, United States (Artist-in-Residence, 2018)
Image: Professional Research visit to Zadkine Museum-Atelier, April 2019