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What Makes this event different?

"I learned a great deal about the contemporary practice of drawing in Paris and at the same time was given access and insight into important historical drawing collections. All the artists in residence were from different locations across the globe so we were able to share knowledge about our respective home art scenes. A hugely important experience overall." - Marianne Walker, London, United Kingdom (Artist-in-Residence, 2019)

Call to artists.

Drawing comes in many forms and is an essential part of the production process for artists working in multiple mediums.  Historically overshadowed by the monumental mediums of sculpture and painting, in contemporary art drawing is re-emerging as a powerful and intimate medium of its own.

As part of the L'AiR Arts programs,​ the immersive 2-week Drawing Research Residency gives artists a stimulating experience of intercultural exchange, professional development and research. Artists have the ability to build lasting relationships with fellow residents, expand their network reach of Paris-based arts practitioners, visit relevant art organizations and present their own work in Paris.

This curated drawing residency program has been designed to enable artists to study drawing in historical and contemporary contexts. Professional visits are organized to relevant contemporary art institutions and fairs, including Drawing Now, Salon du Dessin, and Drawing Lab Paris. Artists also get the chance to explore the historic Montparnasse district with our residency art historian and visit prominent artistic venues, such as the Zadkine Museum-Atelier and the Giacometti Institute.

During the residency, participants are encouraged to reflect and exchange ideas with their fellow residents. We organize facilitated discussion sessions with curators, who offer portfolio readings and mentorship. Participants may also use the shared workspace and are invited to prepare talks or workshops related to their practices and to showcase their work at an open studio event.

At the end of the residency, residents are invited to the studios of Paris College of Art (PCA) for a drawing workshop. Using experimental tools developed and created by PCA Masters in Drawing students, the aim of this workshop is to immerse participants in a sensorial and physical experience encouraging them to think about the body and gesture in the act of drawing. The experimental drawings created in the workshop will be exhibited at the PCA Gallery in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. The exhibition, launched with a vernissage reception, will present the tools and drawing instructions of the workshop and the selected outcome.

Drawing Research Residency includes:

• Accommodation in either a private or shared room (based on your preferences and availability)
• Flexible meal plan: buffet breakfast and either lunch or dinner of traditional French cuisine (with a to-go option)
• Welcoming and closing dinner/reception at a historic restaurant or an artistic venue
• Curated cultural program (professional visits, meetings, and other facilitated group activities co-hosted with our program partners)
• Shared workspace and open studio event
• Drawing workshop and a small exhibition
• Portfolio readings and discussion sessions with curator
• Support for artists to encourage integration and intercultural exchange
• Exposure on L'AiR Arts website and social media
• Access to the Centre's facilities including, plenty of common areas, cafe, an outdoor terrace and garden, laundry facility, meeting rooms and internet access (wifi) for personal laptops
• Paris Museum Pass and/or entry ticket to a current major art event/fair
• Paris metro tickets

2020 Residency Dates

March 16 - 30 (two weeks)

Residency fees

As a not-for-profit organization, our residency fees only aim to cover the costs, already subsidized by our individual and institutional partners.

• 1900 euros (based on shared accommodation)
• 2250 euros (based on private accommodation)

​Some further financial support and scholarships are available. 

Application and Selection Process

The program is open to artists and cultural professionals at any stage in their career. Participants will be selected based on the quality of their applications, and their relevance to current drawing discourse.

Submissions from all countries are welcome, but an intermediate level of English is required in order to understand and interact with others on this program.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of international and Paris-based arts professionals.

For more information about this residency opportunity, please visit the Event Website.