fbpx Photography Research Residency — PCA

Beyond the Frame: Image in Action presented in partnership with L'AiR Arts, Paris College of Art and Mémoire de l’Avenir

Photography Research Residency

With France known as the birthplace of photography, thanks to French inventors Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre, Paris is with no doubt the best historical hub for image-makers!

As part of the L’AiR Arts programs,​ the Photography Research Residency is designed to allow participants to situate their creative process, and practice within both the historical and contemporary Parisian context.

The immersive two-week program offers a stimulating experience of intercultural exchange, research, and professional development. Participants will have an opportunity to build lasting connections with the fellow residents, expand their network of Paris-based arts practitioners, visit relevant organizations, and present their work in locally.

Residents will have access the historical context and local art scene, including a tour of artistic Montparnasse, following the steps of iconic photographers, such as Man Ray, Brassai and Lee Miller, as well as visits to relevant institutions, such as Maison Européenne de la Photo, Fondation Henri Cartier Bresson and Maison Doisneau at Gentilly. For the contemporary scene, residents will visit main photography centers in Paris, including Le Bal, and Le Jeu de Paume, as well as various photo galleries, such as Polka, Galerie Esther Woerdehoff, Galerie Camera Obscura, Galerie Binome, and Les Douches.

The residency aims to foster networking and skill-sharing by allowing participants exploring photo labs and schools such as Paris College of Art, as well as studios of Paris-based photographers. Residents will have access to work with analog and digital photography, as well as alternative processes. In addition to the professional visits, workshops on specific topics led by local professionals, and facilitated group discussions by curators, we offer portfolio readings and mentorship to the artists.

At the end of the residency, artists will have the opportunity to exhibit at the Mémoire de l’Avenir gallery, located in Belleville, one of the prominent contemporary art districts of Paris. Participants will be invited to present their work during the opening reception.

More information about the residency program here.