Call for Applications: Set Designer for French Design companies’ Exhibition in Los Angeles

The exhibition will highlight the savoir-faire of French companies in design, high-end decoration, fine crafts, and artisanal expertise.

A Los Angeles–based set designer will be selected to design an immersive and innovative exhibition that emphasizes materials, gestures, and creative processes from France, while engaging in dialogue with the local cultural ecosystem. 

I. Project Description and Objectives

The set designer should: 

• Showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of 10 to 15 selected French companies from the worlds of design, fine craftsmanship, and decorative arts (final selection in late October) through an original set design that highlights the richness of their materials, forms, and techniques.
• Create an immersive visitor experience, highlighting gestures, materials, and cultural transmission. 
• Propose and adapt the set to a suitable venue in Los Angeles (gallery, cultural center, hybrid venue, etc.), in line with the project’s artistic vision, budget, and logistics. 
   
  The exhibition will take place in March 2026, for a duration of two days, in addition to one day for installing and dismantling the set.

II. Budget

A total budget of $100,000 USD is allocated to cover:

• Researching and renting (or partnering with) the exhibition venue
• Set design
• Production and creation of decorative elements and display stands, if needed
• On-site installation costs
• Travel and accommodation expenses for the set designer if applicable

III. Technical and Administrative Specifications 

Technical Details

The designer will be responsible for: 

• Developing an overall decorative set concept (statement of intent, visuals, sketches, renderings). 
• Producing a spatial design proposal (furniture, display stands, multimedia tools, mediation devices). 
• Identifying and recommending potential venues in Los Angeles. 
• Delivering a preliminary timeline and budget estimate. 
• Overseeing production and installation in coordination with Villa Albertine and its partners. 

Administrative Details

• Duration and Schedule: The contract takes effect upon notification and terminates upon completion of dismantling operations. 
• Advance Payment: In accordance with standard practice, an advance payment of thirty percent (30%) of the total contract amount will be made within thirty (30) days following the contract signature and submission of the corresponding invoice.
• Payment Terms: The remaining contract amount will be paid according to the following terms: 
• Monthly invoicing based on completed and validated services by the contracting authority. 
• Invoices must be issued in USD ($) and submitted to IFEU-VA (972 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10075).
• Each invoice must reference ICC2026_SCENOGRAPHY, total contract amount, amount already paid, and remaining balance. 
• Payment Deadline: Invoices shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the receipt of a compliant invoice. 
• Termination: The contracting authority may terminate the contract automatically in case of serious breach by the contractor (failure to deliver, abandonment of the project, non-compliance with deadlines). 
• Intellectual Property: Intellectual property rights on drawings, models, visuals, and scenographic elements produced under this contract are assigned to IFEU-VA for the statutory duration, on an exclusive basis, for all uses related to the promotion, dissemination, and valorization of the exhibition. 
• Insurance: The contractor declares that they are covered by professional liability insurance, including bodily, material, and immaterial damages related to the execution of the services. Proof of insurance may be requested. 

IV. Conditions for Participation 

The call is open to set designers, designers, interior architects, or art directors with at least two years of experience, demonstrating: 

• Artistic creativity and rigor
• Experience in exhibitions, set design, or large-scale cultural projects
• Ability to collaborate with artisans, designers, and institutions 
• Knowledge of the Los Angeles cultural and artistic context

A professional network in Los Angeles will be considered a significant advantage for this role.

Selection Procedure

The selection will be made solely on the basis of the criteria outlined in this call, by representatives from IFEU-VA. The jury will evaluate applications fairly and transparently, considering creativity, feasibility, relevant experience, collaborative skills, and understanding of the local context. The decision is final, and all candidates will be notified. 

V. Expected Deliverables

• Overall set design concept: A clear statement of intent accompanied by inspirational visuals, sketches, or 3D renderings illustrating the proposed creative vision and how the showcased savoir-faire will be enhanced.
• Spatial design proposal: A detailed proposal of the scenographic elements: furniture, display stands, interactive or multimedia supports, mediation tools, etc., all adapted to the constraints of a temporary exhibition space.
• Venue recommendations: A reasoned list of potential exhibition spaces in Los Angeles (galleries, cultural venues, alternative spaces), or a proposal for collaboration with a local partner.
• Preliminary timeline and budget estimate: An indicative calendar outlining key stages of the project (design, production, installation…) as well as a provisional budget aligned with the project’s ambitions and resources.

 VI. Desired Profile

We are looking for a set designer, interior architect, or art director with a strong sensitivity to artisanal savoir-faire, noble materials, and both cultural and contemporary aesthetics.

The selected candidate should demonstrate:

• Creativity and artistic rigor, with the ability to design an immersive set aligned with the values embodied by fine craftsmanship.
• Experience in designing exhibitions, cultural installations, or large-scale set design projects, particularly those involving art or design objects.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with artisans, designers, and institutions, while balancing a strong artistic direction with operational constraints.
• A solid understanding of the Californian context, and ideally of the artistic and cultural scene in Los Angeles, in order to propose a project that resonates with the local ecosystem.
• A presence or professional network based in Los Angeles will be considered a major asset for the successful implementation of the project.

VII. Application Process

Please send your application (portfolio, statement of intent, CV or bio, website link) to fanny.airault@businessfrance.fr, zoe.appy@villa-albertine.org, and proposals@villa-albertine.org by November 16, 2025. Subject line: ICC2026_SCENOGRAPHY_NAME 

Timeline:
Application deadline: November 16, 2025
Project Selection and Announcement: Early November
Exhibition dates: March 2026