Maison d'Emma — an international artist residency in France offering a grant and accommodation

Sometimes the smallest places become the source of the greatest artistic discoveries. Maison d’Emma invites professional artists to spend one or two months in a picturesque village at the foot of Pic Saint-Loup, developing their own project in a peaceful environment, working with the local community, and exploring a landscape that gradually becomes part of their artistic practice.
The residency is organised by Les Vendémiaires, an association that has been promoting contemporary art in rural France for many years. Here, artists receive not only a studio and accommodation but also the opportunity to work without pressure, explore new ideas, and build a genuine dialogue with their surroundings. This close connection with place and people is what makes the programme stand out among many European residencies.

Who Can Apply
Applications are open to professional contemporary artists. The programme is intended for artists who wish not only to develop their own practice but also to engage with the local area, schools, the public library, and the surrounding community.
The residency also allows participants to bring an accompanying person, a feature that is still uncommon among many international residency programmes and makes participation more comfortable for artists travelling with a partner or family member.

How the Programme Works
The residency lasts from one to two months. The exact dates are agreed individually with each selected participant after the selection process.
The programme provides:
— a grant to support the artistic project;
— accommodation and a workspace at Maison d’Emma;
— the possibility of staying with an accompanying person;
— funding for one or two public activities during the residency, including workshops, meetings with school groups, or public talks;
— support from the Les Vendémiaires team throughout the residency.

What to Consider
One of the key features of the programme is that the artistic project should be connected to the Grand Pic Saint-Loup area and demonstrate an interest in its cultural or natural environment. This does not mean the project must literally describe the region, but applicants are expected to show how their work will establish a meaningful relationship with the place and its people.
Community engagement is an important part of the residency. For this reason, applicants are encouraged to design projects that create opportunities for dialogue with local residents, school groups, or visitors to cultural events. This approach allows artists not only to explore the territory more deeply but also to make the creative process accessible to others.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email. The application package should include:
— a detailed residency project description;
— a portfolio;
— a CV.
Particular attention should be given to explaining how the proposed project relates to the Grand Pic Saint-Loup area and why this residency is the right environment for its development.

Why It Is Worth Applying
Maison d’Emma is designed for artists who seek not only dedicated time and space to work but also a meaningful connection with the place where their work is created. Instead of the familiar rhythm of an urban art scene, participants spend time in a small French community where a slower pace of life encourages research, observation, and the development of new artistic ideas.
Equally valuable is the programme’s human dimension. Working with school groups, meeting local residents, and sharing ideas through public activities transform the residency into a genuine cultural exchange. For many artists, this experience becomes the starting point for new themes, professional relationships, and future projects that continue to grow long after the residency has ended.

The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026.
Download the open tender document (PDF)