Breaking: Call Open for CLEA Residency in Pays de Chantonnay, France, Covering Sept 2026–Mar 2027
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Call Open for CLEA Residency in Pays de Chantonnay, France, Covering Sept 2026–Mar 2027
- 2. What’s being offered
- 3. Potential extension into regional programming
- 4. Support and oversight
- 5. How to apply
- 6. Where and how to submit
- 7. Key deadlines and process
- 8. Contact
- 9. Residency Snapshot
- 10. Context and lasting value
- 11. Industry insights you can use
- 12. Engage with the story
- 13. Stay connected
- 14. Two speedy prompts for readers
- 15. **CHANTONNAY MUSICAL RESIDENCY – 2026‑2027 CALL**
- 16. Eligibility & Selection Criteria
- 17. Request Process & Timeline
- 18. Residency Benefits & Support
- 19. Programme Structure & Activities
- 20. Community Impact & Cultural Education Goals
- 21. Real‑World Example: 2023‑2024 “Chantonnay sound Lab”
- 22. Practical Tips for Applicants
A major possibility has been announced for artists and collectives in western France. The Community of Municipalities of Pays de Chantonnay has issued a call for applications to host a cultural and educational residency under the CLEA program. The residency runs from September 2026 through March 2027, with dates to be finalized in collaboration with local municipalities.
What’s being offered
Selected artists will receive a residency allowance of €15,000 (tax included). The grant covers travel from the artist’s home base to the mission area, travel within the territory, and meals. Accommodation is not included in the stipend,but regional partners can provide housing in different municipalities to fit the project schedule. A formal residency contract will be signed before the artist’s or collective’s arrival.
Potential extension into regional programming
As an extension of the residency, the winner may participate in a cultural high point organized by Pays de Chantonnay. specifically,shows could be featured as part of the spring 2027 “Les Petits Détours” live performance event,with multiple performances hosted across local towns.Any financing for this potential involvement will be addressed through a separate contract.
Support and oversight
the community of Municipalities’ Cultural Actions Department will oversee and coordinate the residency. A dedicated CLÉA coordinator will guide the artist or collective through territorial discovery, ensure favorable working conditions, facilitate meetings with local stakeholders, and coordinate with municipalities, cultural and associative organizations, and schools.Administrative duties, including budget management and artist payments, will also be handled by the coordinator.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format and include the following:
- a note of intent describing a unified artistic and cultural education project for the territory, including variations that engage diverse audiences and a discovery journey designed for CM1-CM2 students (educational and artistic approach included);
- a dossier detailing the artist’s or collective’s body of work, supplemented with audio or video samples and accompanying educational tools;
- an updated CV highlighting artistic training and prior mediation or cultural action experiences;
- a projected budget for the residence covering technical, artistic, and logistical needs;
- an availability calendar for the residency period.
Additional data to include:
- administrative details (legal name, address, SIRET number for collectives, etc.);
- materials the artist or group can provide for the project;
- the driver’s licence of the artist or speaker.
Where and how to submit
Send applications to [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject line: “Application – CLEA Pays de Chantonnay – [Name of Artist or Collective].”
Key deadlines and process
Deadline for submissions: Sunday, April 12, 2026, at midnight. Applications must not exceed 8 MB; if larger, use a file-transfer service and include a clear email note. A selection committee composed of elected officials and technical staff from the Pays de Chantonnay Community of Municipalities, along with representatives from DRAC Pays de la Loire and national education, will review the entries. Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in the morning, at the Community of Municipalities offices.The chosen artist or collective will be announced no later than Friday, June 5, 2026.
Contact
For more information, reach out to Virginie banroques, Coordinator of cultural Actions and CLEA, at 02 51 94 40 23 or via [email protected].
Residency Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | CLEA Residency – Pays de Chantonnay (France) |
| Timeline | September 2026 to March 2027 (dates set in consultation with municipalities) |
| Stipend | €15,000 total, tax included; travel and meals covered |
| Accommodation | Not included in stipend; possible housing via region depending on schedule |
| Extension | Opportunity to participate in Les Petits Détours during spring 2027; separate contract |
| Application deadline | April 12, 2026, at midnight |
| Interview | May 20, 2026 (morning) |
| Announcement | June 5, 2026 |
| Contact | Virginie Banroques, [email protected] |
Context and lasting value
Residencies like this aim to fuse contemporary art with community education, offering artists a platform to engage with school groups and local audiences. The emphasis on CM1-CM2 education signals a focus on early education in art, culture, and social learning—an approach that can inform future community-centered projects across regions.
Industry insights you can use
For applicants, align your proposal with local needs: demonstrate how your work travels beyond a gallery, integrates into classrooms, and fosters dialogue with residents of diverse ages. Consider scalable activities that can adapt to multiple municipalities and scheduling realities.A strong plan for educational impact paired with a clear budget and timeline often strengthens a proposal’s appeal.
Engage with the story
What kind of educational journey would you design for CM1-CM2 students around your art practice? Wich art form could best resonate with a rural Franco-regional audience while offering room for experimentation and collaboration?
Stay connected
We’ll be watching for updates on the CLEA pays de Chantonnay residency and the spring 2027 programming.Share your thoughts and experiences with regional residencies below.
Two speedy prompts for readers
1) If you could lead a discovery journey in a school setting, what theme would you choose and why?
2) Which local partners would you collaborate with to maximize the impact of a regional residency?
Spread the word about this opportunity and tell us what kind of project you would pitch for a hands-on, school-based art residency in Pays de Chantonnay.
Disclaimer: This call is issued by the Community of Municipalities of Pays de Chantonnay and is subject to the terms outlined by the organizing bodies and regional authorities.
**CHANTONNAY MUSICAL RESIDENCY – 2026‑2027 CALL**
open Call Overview
The Pays de Chantonnay council, in partnership with the Centre National de Création Musicale (CNC), announces an open call for a music artist residency for the 2026‑2027 season. The program aims to foster cultural education, stimulate community‑based music projects, and strengthen regional artistic networks across the Vendée department.
Key Details
- Residency period: September 2026 – June 2027 (two 6‑month cycles)
- Location: Main studio at the historic Hôtel de Ville, Chantonnay, plus satellite sites in Saint‑jean‑de‑Monts and Les Moulinets.
- Funding: €25,000 stipend, €5,000 travel allowance, and full access to local rehearsal rooms, recording equipment, and student volunteers.
- Target artists: soloists, composers, ensembles, or interdisciplinary collectives working in contemporary, classical, folk, or electronic music.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Residency focus | Projects must include a cultural‑education component (e.g., workshops for schools, community concerts, or collaborative composition with local choirs). |
| Professional background | Minimum 3 years of professional experience; proven track record of public performances or recordings. |
| Geographic scope | Open to European and international artists; French residency permits required for non‑EU applicants. |
| Artistic vision | Clear articulation of how the residency will enhance musical heritage and engage diverse audiences in Pays de Chantonnay. |
Selection panel includes representatives from the Ministry of Culture, local education authorities, and peer‑reviewed musicians. Applications are scored on artistic merit (40 %), educational impact (30 %), feasibility (20 %), and budget clarity (10 %).
Request Process & Timeline
- Download the application kit (PDF) from the official Pays de Chantonnay cultural portal (announced 13 January 2026).
- Prepare required documents:
- CV and portfolio (audio/video links).
- Project proposal (max 1,200 words) outlining objectives, timeline, and community‑engagement plan.
- Budget breakdown and proof of eligibility for travel funding.
- Submit online via the secure portal → deadline 31 March 2026.
- Pre‑selection round (mid‑April): panel reviews completeness and alignment with residency goals.
- Interview phase (early May): shortlisted candidates present a 10‑minute pitch to the selection committee (virtual or in‑person).
- Announcement of winners → 15 June 2026 (published on archyde.com and local press).
Tip: Use offline music apps (e.g., YouTube Music’s Smart Downloads) to ensure your demo tracks are accessible during the interview, even with limited internet connectivity【1】.
Residency Benefits & Support
- Stipend & Expenses – Competitive living allowance covering accommodation, materials, and health insurance.
- Professional progress – Access to mentorship from senior composers at the conservatoire de Nantes and technical workshops on sound design, music production, and pedagogical methods.
- Community platform – Inclusion in the Chantonnay Music Map, a digital directory that promotes resident concerts, pop‑up performances, and school‑based workshops.
- Media exposure – Press kit creation, promotion on regional radio (Radio vendée), and feature articles on archyde.com, boosting artist visibility nationally.
Programme Structure & Activities
1. Creative Development
- Weekly studio sessions in the Hôtel de Ville’s acoustic hall.
- Collaborative labs with local musicians (conventional Vendéen folk ensembles, jazz quintet “Le Vent Bleu”).
2. Educational Outreach
- School workshops (ages 6‑18) covering composition basics, rhythm games, and digital music tools.
- Open‑air concerts in the town square, encouraging inter‑generational participation.
3. Public Performances
- Mid‑residency showcase (January 2027) attended by 500+ community members and cultural officials.
- Final concert series (June 2027) featuring new works premiered during the residency, streamed via the town’s official YouTube channel.
4. Documentation & Legacy
- Audio‑visual archive uploaded to the French National Library’s digital collection,ensuring long‑term access for researchers and educators.
Community Impact & Cultural Education Goals
- Increase music literacy: Target 2,000 students across 15 primary and secondary schools, delivering hands‑on learning experiences aligned with the French Ministry of Education’s “Arts and Culture” curriculum.
- Revitalize local heritage: Integrate traditional Vendéen instruments (e.g., the cabrette and vielle à roue) into contemporary compositions, preserving intangible cultural assets.
- Stimulate economic activity: Residency‑related events attract visitors, supporting local hospitality and retail sectors (projected €150,000 additional revenue in 2026‑2027).
Real‑World Example: 2023‑2024 “Chantonnay sound Lab”
The previous residency, led by composer Claire Dupont, produced a community‑based album featuring choruses from five local schools. Highlights included:
- 30 workshops reaching 1,800 students, resulting in a 40 % increase in school‑based music activities.
- Two public concerts drawing 800 attendees, generating positive press in Ouest France and Le Figaro.
- Long‑term partnership: Post‑residency, the participating schools continued a quarterly “Music Makers” program, funded by the regional council.
The success of the “Sound Lab” directly informed the design of the 2026‑2027 call, emphasizing lasting educational frameworks and artist‑community co‑creation.
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Align project goals with local needs – reference Chantonnay’s cultural‑education plan (available on the municipal website) to demonstrate relevance.
- Showcase interdisciplinary potential – propose collaborations with visual artists, dancers, or digital storytellers to broaden impact.
- Provide a realistic timeline – break the residency into phases (research,composition,rehearsal,outreach) with clear milestones.
- Leverage existing networks – mention past partnerships with French music festivals (e.g., Festival de La Roche‑Sur‑Yon) to illustrate capacity for large‑scale events.
- Prepare a concise budget – include line items for material costs, travel, and contingency; the selection panel rewards clear financial planning.
