Centre d’Art de Pontmain — an artist residency in France offering a grant of €2,500, a production budget and an exhibition

This is an opportunity to work in an environment where the process takes centre stage. The residency takes place in a small French town, far removed from the usual dynamics of the art market and offers a rare combination of time, space and focus on developing an idea rather than rushing to realise it.
The format is structured around the creation of new works and their public presentation. During the residency, the artist does not merely live and work, but undergoes a complete cycle: research, production and exhibition. This allows for documenting not only the result, but also the process itself.

What the programme includes
The residency is designed for two artists who will work in parallel and share the centre’s space. It will run for 6–8 weeks between January and March 2027.
Participants are provided with the following:
— accommodation on the centre’s premises — private rooms and a communal area
— a studio and exhibition spaces — the centre spans several floors and covers approximately 200 m²
— support from the team — assistance with production, installation and communication
— an exhibition at the end of the residency — featuring new and previously created works
This format is important: it is not limited to ‘staying for the sake of the process’, but leads to a public presentation of the work.

Financial conditions
The programme offers essential support to focus on artistic work:
— artist fee: €2,500
— production budget: €1,500
— travel reimbursement: up to €500
Participation in public events is also remunerated; this forms part of the programme and is not considered a separate workload.

Context and Location
The residency takes place in the small town of Pontmain (population around 800), located at the crossroads of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire region. This rural setting deliberately shapes the nature of the work: there is less external noise, allowing for greater concentration and more time for research.
It is important to note that the location is remote — a car is essential, as there is no direct public transport.
This condition may seem like a constraint, but in practice it becomes part of the experience — one of working independently and with complete focus.

Who is it for
The residency is aimed at visual artists — from painting and sculpture to photography and interdisciplinary forms.
It is particularly suitable for those who:
— wish to develop their current project without the pressure of deadlines
— are prepared to work in a peaceful and secluded environment
— view France as a gateway to the European context
— appreciate the opportunity to conclude their project with an exhibition

Application process
To apply, you will need: a portfolio (up to 40 pages), a CV, a motivation letter and a statement of intent, as well as proof of professional status.
Important: the application text is not a mere formality.It is used to assess not only the quality of your work, but also the logic behind your practice, your understanding of your artistic direction, and your motivation for participating in the residency. Even if a project is still in progress, it can be submitted as a research proposal — this is in line with the programme’s format.

The deadline for applications is 25 April 2026.
The residency will take place from January to March 2027 (6–8 weeks).