Apply for the 5th Floor

Criteria and procedures for the artistic residency

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR 27-28 Season: May 4, 2027

→ A letter of motivation (maximum 1,500 words) – DETAILS BELOW

→ A résumé/CV

→ A letter of recommendation or professional references

→ A portfolio, recordings, or videos showcasing your work

→ Justification of academic and professional eligibility – DETAILS BELOW

 

Tips and Criteria

    • Have completed an undergraduate degree (minimum Bachelor’s level) at the time of application.
    • For the residency year, provide proof of enrollment in a Master’s degree or higher-level program (Master’s, PhD, etc.), or documentation of a mentorship, training, or certificate program related to the artistic or professional project you intend to pursue in Paris.
    • Provide the relevant supporting documentation, depending on your situation: proof of enrollment, student status certificate, or a letter from a mentor or host institution.
    • Outline your plans for obtaining the visa or residence permit required for your stay in France during the residency period.

  • The residency welcomes a wide range of disciplines, including Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Animation, Design, Fashion. We are open to all proposals!

  • Each application must include a letter of motivation outlining the candidate’s personal commitment to becoming an active member of the Fondation des États-Unis (FEU).

    The letter should clearly address the following points:

    → The candidate’s motivation for living at the FEU, located on the campus of the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris.

    → Their willingness to actively engage in the spirit of “Living Together”, a core value of life at the FEU.

    → Their desire to join a vibrant, engaged, and supportive community, and contribute to the collective life of the Fondation.

    → The specific reasons why the candidate wishes to reside at the FEU, in relation to their personal journey, interests, or goals.

    → A clear presentation of their artistic project, or any other relevant project they intend to pursue during their stay.

    → How living at the FEU will support the development of this project, and more broadly, their growth as an artist or creative.

    Special attention will be given to the authenticity of the candidate’s approach, their desire to be involved in community life, and the coherence between the proposed project and the environment offered by the Fondation.

  • Please note: these are two separate application processes.

    Applying to the Fondation des États-Unis’ 5th Floor Artist Residency does not constitute an application for accommodation at the Fondation des États-Unis or the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CiuP).

    If you would also like to apply for accommodation at the FEU/CiuP during your artist residency, you must complete the two application processes separately. We recommend applying to both in parallel to ensure that you meet the respective application deadlines.

    → To find out how to apply individually for accommodation at the FEU/CiuP: LINK

What happens after I submit my application?

Particular attention will be given to the authenticity of the applicant’s approach, their willingness to engage in community life, and the alignment between the proposed project and the framework offered by the Fondation des États-Unis.

After applications have been received and reviewed by the selection committee, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the Fondation’s Culture Team. This conversation will provide an opportunity to learn more about your background and project, as well as to answer any questions you may have about the artist residency and how it works.

At the end of the selection process, each applicant will receive an official decision.

Have a question?

For any questions regarding the artist residency or the application process, please contact us at the email address below:

Contact