Archipel Butor — an international artist residency in France offering a grant of €8,000 for an artist and a writer

Some books are born not from a single voice, but from a genuine creative dialogue. It is at the intersection of text and image that works emerge in which literature and visual art become a single artistic expression. Archipel Butor invites an artist and a writer to spend two months in France creating an artist’s book in the Livre de dialogue format—a project where collaboration is not an addition to the creative process but its very foundation.
The residency takes place in the home of French writer Michel Butor in the village of Lucinges and is dedicated to promoting the culture of the artist’s book. It offers time for reflection, collaborative research, and the creation of a new book without the pressure of constant deadlines. The programme supports projects that demonstrate the value of collaboration between literature and contemporary art, showing how two different creative languages can come together as a single work.

Who Can Apply
Applications must be submitted as a creative duo consisting of one artist and one writer. Both participants are required to be present at the residency at the same time throughout their stay. Previous experience working together is not required. The programme is designed for duos who want to combine their practices for the first time, create an artist’s book, and build a long-term creative partnership.

How the Programme Works
The residency lasts two months (eight weeks) and begins in January 2027. If necessary, the residency period may be divided into several parts, but both participants must be in Lucinges at the same time. Approximately 70% of the residency is dedicated to creating the artist’s book, while the remaining 30% is devoted to meetings with the local community, workshops, public events, and other forms of community engagement.
Each participant receives:
— a €2,000 monthly grant (before taxes);
— accommodation in the Michel Butor House;
— reimbursement for up to two round trips within France or Europe;
— a shared workspace;
— organisational support from the Archipel Butor team;
— a preparatory video conference to coordinate the residency schedule and public programme.

What to Consider
The main goal of the programme is the creation of a Livre de dialogue—an artist’s book in which text and visual art evolve as a single artistic work. Particular attention is given to the artistic quality of the proposal, the collaborative potential between the writer and the artist, and the project’s ability to explore the possibilities of the artist’s book as an independent artistic form.
The residency takes place in the small French village of Lucinges, located approximately 730 metres above sea level. Public transport is limited, so participants should plan practical aspects of their stay in advance. At the same time, the peaceful atmosphere of the village creates ideal conditions for focused work and offers a welcome break from the pace of everyday life.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file by email. The application package should include:
— a joint motivation letter;
— the writer’s biography;
— the artist’s biography;
— a project description;
— a synopsis of the proposed book;
— sketches or visual materials;
— a technical description of the publication;
— proposals for workshops and other activities for the local community;
— a preliminary residency schedule.

Why It Is Worth Applying
Most international residencies support individual artistic practice. Archipel Butor takes a different approach by placing collaboration at the centre of the creative process. Here, the writer and the artist receive not only funding and dedicated time to work together but also the opportunity to explore a new creative partnership that often continues long after the residency has ended.
The location itself is equally significant. Michel Butor’s house has long been associated with literary experimentation and interdisciplinary art, making the residency part of a broader cultural tradition. For many participants, these two months become more than a period of creating a book—they mark the beginning of a professional partnership that can lead to future publications, exhibitions, and international collaborations.

The deadline for applications is 30 August 2026.