Calls for Applications: OuiDesign! 2024 Grants

OuiDesign! is a curated path of open studios, designer talks, exhibitions, and exclusive events that celebrates the rich tradition of collaboration between the French and American design scenes.

Held over the course of five days during NYCxDesign, OuiDesign! 2024 will feature work by dozens of exceptional French designers and craftspeople in galleries from Chelsea to Greenpoint and Long Island City to Industry City, advancing Villa Albertine’s mission to deepen the dialogue and cultural connections between American and Francophone audiences and professionals. 

Two calls for applications are now open for OuiDesign! 2024.

OuiDesign! Exhibition Grants

Guidelines 

OuiDesign! Exhibition Grants provide  financial support to New York-based galleries and exhibition spaces that wish to organize exhibitions or installations featuring young, emerging French and France-based designers, including a public event as part of OuiDesign! during NYCxDesign week (May 16 – 22, 2024). 

The program aims to support innovative and engaging design projects that address relevant issues in contemporary design across the world. The program primarily seeks to introduce French designers whose works have rarely, if ever, been presented in the United States. It achieves this by fostering active collaboration and sustainable partnerships between French interior designers and NYC based galleries or exhibition spaces wishing to foster artistic exchanges with French design.  

Eligibility 

All types of design are considered for Oui Design! Exhibition Grants.  

Funding areas include solo exhibits and group exhibits. 

Special attention will be given to innovative projects demonstrating a sustainable approach.  

Designers involved must be of French nationality or have lived in France for more than five years, with at least five years of proven professional experience as a designer after their initial training.

Priority will be given to young designers and to works that have never or rarely been exhibited in the U.S.

The selection committee will favor projects exhibiting a series of items by the designer rather than only one work as well as the presence of the designer during OuiDesign! 

Grants will not exceed a maximum amount of $8,000. 

Applicant galleries or exhibition spaces must provide: 

– A detailed type written description of the artistic project clearly outlining the essential ideas, goals and methodology of the exhibition or project;
– A detailed and balanced overall budget proposal listing all provisional expenses and incomes;
– A curriculum vitæ of each French or France based designer
– An artistic Portfolio: audio / visual work (catalogues, photographs, exhibition stills, video link).

Schedule and Application

The 2024 call for applications is open until January 28, 2024, 11:59 pm (ET). 

This grant program is conducted in partnership with Institut français.

Apply here

OuiDesign! Immersion Grants

Guidelines 

OuiDesign! Immersion Grants are aimed at young craft professionals looking to develop their business in the American interior design and decoration markets. The program offers a week-long immersion, from May 15 to May 21 during NYCxDESIGN week. Through this opportunity, French craftspeople will be able to meet professionals and learn about the different ways of promoting their exceptional skills in this rich and competitive market.

The aim of this program is to help French craftspeople gain a better understanding of the New York market’s ecosystem, so that they can better assess the development opportunities it could offer.

The six-day immersion taking place from May 15 to May 21 aims to:

Give participants insights into the work of French arts and crafts companies operating in New York through field visits of factories and fitting-out sites for leading companies and clients;

Strengthen participants’ understanding of the sector through contact with key American professionals in the field (interior designers, architects, exhibition and gallery directors, etc.);

Be a source of inspiration and renewal by discovering trends and the demands of American clients;

Promote the expertise of a new generation of French craftspeople to the American professional community during a special day.

A detailed program for the week will be announced at a later date and will be adjusted according to the specializations of participants.

Villa Albertine will cover the costs of the round-trip travel from Paris to New York, accommodation and a daily allowance for the meals and transport.

Eligibility

The program is open to candidates with the following profile:

• Arts and crafts professionals under 45 and over 21 years of age whose skills can be applied to the field of interior design;
• At least 5 years of experience;
• Have a SIRET number; 
• Have a good command of English (a two-minute video should demonstrate the candidate’s fluency in English);
• Possess French nationality or be based in France.

Applicants must provide:

– A cover letter for an immersion stay, mentioning any links or projects already carried out in the United States;
– A short biography (1500 characters);
– A portfolio of their work;
– A 2-minute video introducing themself demonstrating fluency in English;
– A Photocopy of Passport and/or Visa for residents
– A Proof of SIRET number.

Schedule and Application

The 2024 call for applications is open until January 28, 2024, 11:59 pm (ET). 

This program is conducted in partnership with Mobilier national.

Apply here

Contact

For any questions regarding the programs or the application process, please contact: 

Olivier Le Falher 
Program Officer, Visual Arts, Design, Architecture 
olivier.lefalher@villa-albertine.org