Curated Group Residency Programs
Our immersive group residency programs offer a stimulating experience of intercultural exchange, research and professional development. During the residency, participating artists and cultural practitioners have an opportunity to build lasting connections with the fellow residents, expand their network with local arts professionals and organizations, and present their work.
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)
L'AiR Arts is offering international group residencies on a yearly basis, including but not limited to the following programs:
Paris-based artists and cultural professionals are invited to join our international programs and also apply for a new studio residency, designed to offer an opportunity to carry out personal artistic projects, develop research work and to participate in a new international network.
- Art Research Residency
- Drawing Research Residency
- Photography Research Residency
- Multidisciplinary Residency
Paris-based artists and cultural professionals are invited to join our international programs and also apply for a new studio residency, designed to offer an opportunity to carry out personal artistic projects, develop research work and to participate in a new international network.
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)
Multidisciplinary Residency
Drawing Research Residency |
Art Research Residency
Photography Research Residency |
L'AiR ARTS Paris: Live, Work, Meet, Explore and Present
L’AiR Arts residency program grounds its commitment to the contemporary arts within a historical perspective. The residency 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 Ecole de Paris period, our residency program is dedicated to the historical legacy of this prolific period of intercultural and artistic exchange. The aim of our 2020s programs is to commemorate the centenary since the 1920s by revisiting the cosmopolitan spirit that allowed the arts community to thrive and to support international dialogue today.
While mostly focusing on visual arts, some sessions offer an in-depth exploration of a particular art discipline, such as drawing or photography, whereas others concentrate on the rich art history of the city and study its contemporary art scenes.
To enhance the group residency experience and further facilitate dialogue, participants are encouraged to reflect and exchange ideas with their fellow residents, present a talk on their work, and participate in an Open Studio event or an Exhibition. To encourage networking and professional development, the residency also gives participants the opportunity to meet local artists, art historians, art critics, curators and gallerists working in Paris today. We also organize facilitated artistic discussion sessions with various professionals, who offer portfolio readings and mentorship to the artists. As the residency is open to cultural professionals (art historians, curators, arts managers) along with practicing artists, we invite them to act as guest contributors to our programming.
In addition to a curated cultural programme, we make sure that there is a good balance between organized events and independent exploration of Paris. Like many artists visiting Paris from around the world, you are invited to find inspiration outside of the museums and galleries, in the city's lesser known cafés or back streets. There is time for artists to self-organize into small groups and explore Paris together, share experiences, ideas, and meals, getting to know one another not only as colleagues but as people.
While mostly focusing on visual arts, some sessions offer an in-depth exploration of a particular art discipline, such as drawing or photography, whereas others concentrate on the rich art history of the city and study its contemporary art scenes.
To enhance the group residency experience and further facilitate dialogue, participants are encouraged to reflect and exchange ideas with their fellow residents, present a talk on their work, and participate in an Open Studio event or an Exhibition. To encourage networking and professional development, the residency also gives participants the opportunity to meet local artists, art historians, art critics, curators and gallerists working in Paris today. We also organize facilitated artistic discussion sessions with various professionals, who offer portfolio readings and mentorship to the artists. As the residency is open to cultural professionals (art historians, curators, arts managers) along with practicing artists, we invite them to act as guest contributors to our programming.
In addition to a curated cultural programme, we make sure that there is a good balance between organized events and independent exploration of Paris. Like many artists visiting Paris from around the world, you are invited to find inspiration outside of the museums and galleries, in the city's lesser known cafés or back streets. There is time for artists to self-organize into small groups and explore Paris together, share experiences, ideas, and meals, getting to know one another not only as colleagues but as people.
This Residency was everything I could have hoped for - a great balance between historical and contemporary art, artists and art practices plus so much to inspire my own art practice and creativity. Getting to connect and network with fellow artists and be introduced to those that are working with the arts community in Paris are all connections I know are going to help me into the future of my arts career. I have already come up with my next art series based on feedback I received from conversation with the residency curator, which in itself is gold to me. I would recommend this residency to any artist at any point in their career, as such experiences are beneficial regardless of where you are in your process or on your path. I would even consider applying to this program again in the future to have the opportunity for new connections to be made!
- Suki Valentine, New York City, United States (Artist-in-Residence, 2018)
Upcoming Programs & Dates
2022 - Events calendar
2023 - Applications open / dates TBA
Duration of Residency
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 is usually for a period of 2 - 4 weeks.
Residency Offer
Our hospitality partner for the group residency is FIAP Jean Monnet, an international exchange center located in Montparnasse. The details of each residency are indicated in the invitation letter issued to the selected candidates and usually include:
2022 - Events calendar
2023 - Applications open / dates TBA
Duration of Residency
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 is usually for a period of 2 - 4 weeks.
Residency Offer
Our hospitality partner for the group residency is FIAP Jean Monnet, an international exchange center located in Montparnasse. The details of each residency are indicated in the invitation letter issued to the selected candidates and usually include:
- Accommodation in either a private or shared room based on your 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 at a historic restaurant or an artistic venue
- Curated cultural program (professional visits, meetings and other facilitated group activities co-hosted with our program partners)
- Portfolio readings and discussion sessions with curators
- Communal studio space
- Open studio/group exhibition or showcase opportunity
- Access to the Centre's facilities including plenty of common areas, cafe, 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 card
- Exposure on L'AiR Arts website and social media
- One-year membership and invitation to participate in residency projects and exhibitions
Participating in L'AiR Arts Residency was a great experience for my artistic career. The program provided an excellent professional development platform for me to network, share skills, exchange ideas and meet international and local contemporary artists, curators, and visit galleries and museums in Paris."
- Fatima Garzan, Canada / Iran (Artist-in-Residence, 2018)
Curated Program
Depending on the focus of each residency session, the organized programming offers:
To see the list of our co-hosting organizations in Paris, visit Partners page.
Depending on the focus of each residency session, the organized programming offers:
- Research visits to historical and contemporary art organizations
- Professional visits to artist studios and artist collectives
- Meetings with Paris-based artists, curators, gallerists and other arts professionals
- Guided tours / walks of different artistic neighbourhoods of Paris: Montparnasse, Montmartre, Marais and Belleville
- A day trip to historical or artistic place outside of Paris
To see the list of our co-hosting organizations in Paris, visit Partners page.
Open Studio, Art Research Residency, October 2018
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. Our past residencies ranged from 60 to 160 euros per day/person, with many participants obtaining assistance from various funding agencies to fully cover their residency expenses.
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
To promote lifelong learning and to ensure inclusive and equitable quality professional development, the residency is open to artists and cultural professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, of different ages and genders, and at all stages of their professional careers, from emerging to established. Intermediate level of English is required to be able to understand and interact with others.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of international and Paris-based arts professionals. Selections are made from an open call application and panel process to nominations or by 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 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. Our past residencies ranged from 60 to 160 euros per day/person, with many participants obtaining assistance from various funding agencies to fully cover their residency expenses.
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
To promote lifelong learning and to ensure inclusive and equitable quality professional development, the residency is open to artists and cultural professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, of different ages and genders, and at all stages of their professional careers, from emerging to established. Intermediate level of English is required to be able to understand and interact with others.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of international and Paris-based arts professionals. Selections are made from an open call application and panel process to nominations or by invitation.
To apply please complete the online application form.