Villa Medici opens the new Open Call for the 2026 Mestieri d'Arte Residency

Villa Medici opens the new Open Call for the 2026 Mestieri d'Arte Residency

Applications by 15 December 2025: a month of work and research for artisans and creatives in the historic headquarters of the French Academy in Rome

Villa Medici apre la nuova Open Call per la Residenza Mestieri d’Arte 2026

ROME – The French Academy in Rome – Villa Medici announces the official opening of the Open Call for the 2026 Art Crafts Residency , a call dedicated to six professionals of contemporary artistic craftsmanship , without age or nationality limits. The residency, directed by Sam Stourdzé and part of the program “ Restoring the enchantment of Villa Medici “, offers an immersive work and research experience in the heart of Monte Pincio, one of the most emblematic places of European artistic culture.

Designed to encourage dialogue between French and Italian excellence , the project invites artisans, designers, creatives and professionals of the artistic professions to develop a work, a prototype or a research path that combines traditional knowledge and design innovation. The residency lasts one month and guarantees participants dedicated spaces, technical support, professional tutoring , as well as opportunities for discussion with companies in the sector, cultural partners and selected local entities.

Opportunities and scholarships provided

The 2026 call makes available:

  • A grant of 2,500 euros

  • Reimbursement of travel expenses up to 1,000 euros

  • Production contribution up to 5,000 euros , upon request

  • Possibility of additional resources and a second stay if the project is intended for the spaces of the Villa

The initiative, supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation , strengthens the role of Villa Medici as an international center for the valorization of excellent craftsmanship , a living artistic heritage that combines research, experimentation and history.

How to apply

Submissions must include:

  • Detailed creative project

  • Curriculum

  • Portfolio

  • Any technical documentation

Submission takes place via the online platform indicated in the notice. All materials must be written in French .

Founded in 1666 and hosted since 1803 in the iconic sixteenth-century villa overlooking Rome, the French Academy in Rome – Villa Medici thus consolidates its commitment to supporting new generations of artisans, designers and creatives, promoting an international vision of artistic professions.

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