Only two days left to apply for the 2026 MEP x Collection Gervanne + Matthias Leridon x Cité internationale des arts residency program

Overview

The MEP Residency Program – Gervanne + Matthias Leridon Collection – Cité internationale des arts is a residency program aimed at emerging talents in African photography, initiated by Gervanne and Matthias Leridon in collaboration with the Maison Européenne de la Photographie and the Cité internationale des arts in Paris.

Launched in 2022, its goal is to support young African artists by fostering artistic practices that explore new forms of photography. It also aims to facilitate artists’ mobility so they can share their work and expand their artistic and professional networks.

The partners are committed to supporting the winner by providing guidance related to their artistic research, professional networking opportunities, and a three-month funded residency in the heart of Paris.

The Residency

The winner receives:

1. a studio-apartment on the Marais site of the Cité internationale des arts, consisting of a single furnished space for both work and living
2. a monthly living stipend of 900 euros net of taxes and coverage of the cost of a monthly local transit pass;
3. 1,000 euros in support for research and artistic creation;
4. coverage of round-trip international travel expenses to and from Paris, as well as visa fees and travel and repatriation insurance.

A report on the experience will be required at the end of the residency.

Schedule

1. Application Period: September 17–October 4, 2026
2. Announcement of results: October 2026
3. Residencies: November 3, 2026, through January 28, 2027

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The residency program is open to applicants who:

1. who are nationals of a country on the African continent and also reside there,
2. who are between the ages of 25 and 40 as of the application deadline (October 1, 2027),
3. who can demonstrate at least three years of professional artistic activity and have developed one or more photographic projects (exhibition, publication, etc.),
4. who hold a valid passport.

Group applications (duos, couples, collectives) are eligible and will result in a single grant covering all aspects of the residency: studio-living quarters, a living stipend, and coverage of travel expenses and research support.

Applications will be reviewed by a jury composed of representatives from the program’s partners and qualified experts.

In addition to evaluating the applicants’ professional backgrounds, the jury members responsible for selecting the program’s recipients will pay particular attention to the originality of the research project to be conducted during the residency, the rationale presented regarding the added value of this residency in Paris and at the Cité internationale des arts, the proposed research protocol, and any contacts or partnerships already established to further the development of the research project submitted.

How to Apply?

Applicants’ submissions must include the following:

1. A duly completed online application form (Note: Please be aware that you must have a Google account).
2. A detailed resume (4 pages maximum), in French or English
3. A portfolio of completed and/or ongoing photographic projects (maximum 15 pages), in French or English
4. A statement of intent (maximum 3 pages), in French or English

Selection will be made by a jury of professionals, composed of the leadership of the three partner institutions and specialists invited specifically for this occasion.

Portfolios and residency proposals will be evaluated based on the quality of the work, artistic coherence, and the relevance of the project to Paris.

Residency Terms and Conditions

Photographers will be housed in studio-apartments located on the Marais site of the Cité internationale des arts.

Ranging in size from 25 to 40 square meters, the studio-apartments are designed to combine artistic practice with daily life. They consist of a workspace, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a sleeping area. A studio-apartment can accommodate two adults and one child up to age 7. Additional fees apply for accompanying persons and visitors.

Unfortunately, the studio-apartments currently available do not meet current accessibility standards for people with disabilities, but we are working to address this in the future.

To Apply:

Click HERE!