Comic Book Residency - Call of the Sea
from November 2, 2026 to April 9, 2027
3 Comic Book artistic residency sessions on the theme of "Call of the Sea"
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About
Call for applications: "Comic Book" Residencies – Call of the Sea
Call of the Sea, a window onto the world
A creed, an invitation, a deep breath? One could not really define this impulse that drives people to leave, nor what justifies it. The great navigator Florence Arthaud (1957–2015) liked to explain that "the open sea is the only place where man has not yet spoiled or destroyed anything, and where he does not always have the last word" — and perhaps that is what convinces women and men to take to the sea: to break free from the noise of the world and no longer be in thrall to a modern, deafening order, in order to embrace a more serene path, reconnected to the elements.
A path found in the journeys of individuals and of groups who have made the open sea a territory of exploration, knowledge, or commitment. For these people, the horizon is not merely a line to reach, but a constant invitation to boldness, curiosity, and encounter with an element that, more than any other, shapes our imagination. Adventure, of course; a quest, at times; the call of the sea, when it arises, becomes resolutely urgent, as Charles Baudelaire (1821–1867) evokes it: "True travellers are those alone who leave / To leave, hearts light as balloons, / They never turn aside from their fate, / And, without knowing why, forever say: Let's go!"
The project
We are looking for six duo (comic illustrator / comic scriptwriter). Each session will host 2 pairs in residency for two months. A digital format is a requirement for this residency.
- Session 1: from 2 November to 18 December 2026
- Session 2: from 4 January to 19 February 2027
- Session 3: from 1 March to 9 April 2027
- Provisional dates for the opening and exhibition at La Rocabella (to be confirmed): 15 to 18 April 2027
Application process
Selection by pair based on application file, followed by an interview.
The file must include:
- CV – must include:
- Education
- Publications
- Exhibitions
- Previous residencies or grants
- Any collaborations
- A statement of intent (1 to 2 pages max.) on the theme "Call of the Sea" – must include:
- Presentation of the project in relation to the theme
- Presentation of the pair and the connection between them
- What the residency will bring to this project
- Current stage of progress
- Portfolio (for the person applying on the graphic side)
- A selection of 10 to 20 images representative of the artist's work
- Comic presentation file (optional)
- Summary of the story (1 page maximum)
- World, characters, stakes
- If possible, pages already completed or graphic research, character design, storyboard if the project is just beginning
Online application submission link: I'm applying to the Rocabella residencies
Application deadline: 13 September 2026, midnight (Please note: applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received)
Interview dates: September 2026
Final selection: September/October 2026
If you encounter any problem with the registration form, please contact the residency manager: frissel@hotmail.fr
Residents
FAQ
What is the duration of the residency?
Depending on the themes, a residency can last from one week to several months, which gives participants enough time to immerse themselves in the environment and carry out their projects successfully.
Who can participate in a residency?
The residency is open to artists and researchers aged 21 and over and of all levels of experience. Priority is given to those who wish to exchange with their peers or with other creatives from other disciplines. The selection is based on an application file, which includes a project proposal, a portfolio and a statement of interest. A panel of competent experts reviews all applications.
Are there any costs associated with the residence?
All essential expenses are covered: accommodation, full board, housekeeping, consumables, round-trip transportation, as well as access to shared tools and spaces required for collective projects. Residents remain responsible for their personal expenses and any specific costs related to their individual projects. An artistic grant is also awarded to support each residency.
Does the residency include coaching or mentoring?
Each residence is specific. Depending on the themes, participants can have access to personalized coaching and mentoring from renowned experts in their field. Storytelling and pitch training workshops are also often included in programs to help residents better value their work.
Are international applications welcomed?
We welcome applications from around the world for a portion of our residencies. The diversity of perspectives is highly valued in our program and the common language is English.
Please consult the specific residences to see which are in French and which in English.
Are-the residents alone on site ?
During the winter residency periods, Rocabella focuses on its artist-in-residence program.
What is a creative residency in La Rocabella?
Artistic residencies are periods during which artists and creators come to work on their projects around a specific theme. Residents are supervised by a specialist mentor and can benefit from advice from professional artists or specialists to enrich their creative activity.
