general call for applications: 2026 residencies

Villa Albertine is pleased to announce the opening of its call for applications for its 2026 residencies. From January to December 2026, Villa Albertine will support around fifty exploratory residencies, lasting between one and three months, spread across the entire U.S. territory. These residencies will primarily be based in a particular city, with a few multi-city residencies. The 2026 season will additionally mark the fifth anniversary of the residency program.

Through the concept of exploratory residencies, Villa Albertine invites individuals to travel through and discover a territory and meet with its key actors to foster original artistic or intellectual reflections that would not be possible otherwise. Such residencies are not intended to conducted in solitude but rather should be field explorations, encouraging inspiration and connections with local actors. The project undertaken can either be a new proposal specifically developed for Villa Albertine or a continuation of a pre-existing research project prior to the resident’s arrival in the United States. In both cases, it is the project’s relationship to the territory that is important.

Thus, meetings, visits, and events should help nourish the work carried out by the resident. More than just a stay, the exploration residency fosters exchanges and future collaborations. It allows one to refine their approach and deepen their reflection. While it may lead to a final presentation, in a form to be defined, and contribute to the resident’s creative process after their stay in the U.S., no specific deliverable is required, as would be the case with a production residency.

This program is designed and led by Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, which strengthens ties between the United States, France, and the Francophone community by connecting individuals and institutions in 10 major U.S. cities.

This program is supported by Société Générale Foundation, a major patron of Villa Albertine’s residencies.