An Open Window for Artistic Creation in Cape Verde: The French Institute's Residency Programme
The French Institute's Residency Programme represents an extraordinary opportunity for Cape Verdean artists from various disciplines. This programme of support for artistic creation, funded and organised by the French Institute, aims to promote mobility and collaboration between artists from Cape Verde and France, and vice versa. The aim is simple but ambitious: to stimulate cultural exchange, deepen creative dialogue and provide artists with the necessary conditions to develop innovative and impactful projects.
The programme's structure is flexible and adaptable, allowing artists from different fields to find a favourable environment for their research and creation. The residencies, which can vary in length, take place in partner cultural institutions or studios in both France and Cape Verde. The selected artists receive financial support to cover expenses related to travelling, accommodation and artistic production. In addition, they have access to technical and logistical resources, such as equipped studios, mentoring from renowned professionals and opportunities to present their work to the public.
The application process is generally open to visual artists, musicians, choreographers, writers, filmmakers and other arts and creative professionals. Projects are selected by a specialised jury, which assesses criteria such as artistic quality, the relevance of the project, the potential for collaboration (particularly with French artists), and the expected impact on the artist's career and the local cultural scene. The development of projects that promote reflection on themes relevant to Cape Verdean and French societies, such as identity, memory, cultural heritage and bilateral relations, is also valued.
The impact of the French Institute's Residency Programme in Cape Verde has been significant. Through this programme, many Cape Verdean artists have had the opportunity to deepen their artistic practices, establish international connections and present their work to a wider audience. The residencies provide an environment for experimentation and the exchange of knowledge, stimulating the development of new artistic languages and the creation of original and meaningful works. In addition, the programme contributes to the visibility of Cape Verdean culture at an international level, strengthening its position on the global cultural stage.
Participation in this programme is not only a financial investment, but also an investment in the future of Cape Verdean culture. By supporting the mobility and training of artists, the French Institute plays a crucial role in promoting creativity, innovation and intercultural dialogue. The programme fosters the emergence of new voices, the revitalisation of artistic traditions and the creation of bridges between Cape Verde and France. The result of this intervention is also quality artistic works, the valorisation of cultural heritage and the strengthening of Cape Verdean identity.
For Cape Verdean artists who want to expand their creative horizons, the French Institute's Residency Programme is an unmissable opportunity. It's a chance to learn, create and share in a stimulating and welcoming environment. It's a springboard to success, a platform for artistic expression and a gateway to an international collaborative network.
Attention: Applications for the next edition of the programme close on 12 October 2025. For more information on eligibility criteria, deadlines and application procedures, please consult the official website of the French Institute.
Link to application (example, must be replaced with actual link): [https://www.institutfrancais.com/en/programme/residence-and-professional-mobility/residencies-institut-francais-x-cite-internationale]
