Open call: Inspiration Benin residency seeks Francophone artists

Launched in 2024 in partnership with MansA – Maison des Mondes Africains in Paris and Benin’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts, the programme is implemented by the French Institute of Benin. It aims to facilitate exchanges between artists, cultural institutions, researchers, artisans, custodians of traditional knowledge and local communities.

The residency is intended to support artistic research rooted in Benin’s cultural, historical, social and contemporary contexts. Eligible projects may explore African worlds, knowledge transmission, tangible and intangible heritage, contemporary narratives and related themes that encourage dialogue with Beninese communities and cultural practitioners.

Who can apply?

The call is open to Francophone artists of any nationality who:

• Work in new forms of stage writing, including theatre, dance and performance, or in cinematography.
• Have been working professionally for at least five years.
• Work in visual arts, including painting, sculpture, installation, drawing and digital arts.
• Speak fluent French.
• Have identified a Beninese partner who can contribute meaningfully to the proposed research.
• Can provide a letter from the Beninese partner confirming their commitment and outlining their role in the project.

Applicants must propose a residency lasting at least six weeks and establish a clear connection between their project and Benin.

Particular consideration will be given to the strength of the proposed partnership, the relevance of conducting the project in Benin and its potential to generate lasting exchanges and benefits for the participating artists, partners and wider cultural sector.

Financial support

The French Institute of Benin will provide support covering:

• International travel and visa costs: €1,500 (about $1 750) flat-rate allowance.
• Living expenses, including accommodation, food and local transport: €1,500 monthly allowance.
• Production costs: €4,500 flat-rate allowance.
• Additional production support from the partner: €1,000 flat-rate allowance.

Artists may also provide co-financing where necessary.

Residency period

The residency programme will run between 15 November 2026 and 30 April 2027, with projects required to last at least six weeks. However, no residency may begin after 15 March 2027.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit their materials electronically in PDF format, including:

• A completed application summary sheet.
• An artistic portfolio of no more than 10 pages.
• A detailed CV of no more than two pages.
• A project presentation of no more than four pages covering:
• The motivation for undertaking the residency.
• The proposed research project.
• The relationship with the Beninese partner.
• Beninese institutions or individuals contacted in connection with the project.
• The planned duration of the residency.
• Plans for developing the project after the residency.
• A presentation of the Beninese partner of no more than two pages.
• A letter of commitment from the Beninese partner detailing their role, contribution and agreement to the partnership grant.
• Supporting information demonstrating the project's relevance, originality, feasibility and potential contribution to Benin's artistic and cultural sector.
• A sworn statement as required by the application process.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Key dates

• Apply here before 2 September 2026
• Results announced: From 2 November 2026
• Residency period: 15 November 2026 to 30 April 2027

Note: The supplied call information contains two different application deadlines: 9 September 2026 in the calendar section and 2 September 2026 in the submission instructions. Applicants should therefore verify the deadline on the programme's official application platform before submitting.

Applications must be submitted through the programme’s dedicated online platform.

View the original call here.