Ferme Courbet — a residency in France offering support, an exhibition and a grant of €10,000
When an artist has the opportunity not just to create a project, but to embed it within an institutional context, it changes everything — from the scale of the work to its wider visibility.
This residency in France is exactly such a case. It is not simply a matter of ‘going away to work’, but of creating a work within the museum system, with support, a budget and an exhibition that runs for almost a year.
The programme takes place at Ferme Courbet — a historic space linked to the legacy of Gustave Courbet and part of the major cultural cluster Pôle Courbet. This is not an isolated residency, but a living institution with exhibitions, archives and ongoing engagement with the public. Important: applications must be submitted with a project already developed in line with the context of the residency and the season’s theme — in 2027, this will focus on issues of family, kinship, heritage and the role of women.
Location and format of the residency
The residency takes place in France, in the village of Flagey, on the Courbet family’s farm, which has been transformed into a contemporary arts venue.
It combines a rural landscape, a historical setting and professional facilities. Work takes place in studios within the complex, with the option to use both indoor spaces and the garden for artistic interventions.
The residency itself lasts from 1 to 4 weeks and runs from November 2026 to January 2027. Following this, the project is finalised and presented in an exhibition format.
What the programme offers
Participation in the programme offers not just a space, but comprehensive support for production and exhibition:
€10,000 budget – covering the artist’s fee, production costs and participation in the programme;
Project development within an institutional context;
An exhibition lasting up to 9 months – a rare format for residencies;
Accommodation is provided (apartments with a workspace);
Local expenses are partially covered (meals, local transport);
Curatorial and technical support from the Pôle Courbet team;
Communication, exhibition production and professional visibility.
However, travel to France is at the artist’s own expense.
Who is it for
The programme is aimed at artists and collectives who:
work with contemporary artistic practices (including video, photography and digital media),
are actively practising professionals; and are willing to engage with the context and theme.
A basic knowledge of French is required.
Important! The project must respond to the season’s theme — in 2027, this will be issues of family, kinship, heritage and the role of women.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by email and sent to both of the following addresses:
camille.cios@doubs.fr and chris.liardon@doubs.fr
The application (sent via email or a file-sharing service) must include: a portfolio — CV and examples of work, a project description — the idea you plan to realise during the residency, and your motivation for participating.
All materials must be compiled into a single PDF file.
Important! The selection process takes place in two stages. First, the jury draws up a shortlist of 3–5 candidates, after which an online meeting takes place where you must present your project.
Why is this important
It is a format in which the artist is given not only time and space, but also a context—an institution, an audience and a long-term exhibition.
There is no pressure to produce quick results, but there is a structure in which the work becomes visible and continues beyond the residency itself.
Such opportunities are not about ‘taking part’, but about moving to the next level: when a project becomes part of the cultural landscape rather than remaining within the studio.
The deadline for applicationsis is 2 April 2026.
The residency will take place in late 2026–early 2027, and the exhibition will open in April 2027.
