Documentary Art Book - Call of the Sea
from November 2, 2026 to April 9, 2027
3 artistic residency sessions for a "Documentary Art Book" on the theme "The Call of the Open Sea"
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About
Call for Applications: "Chronicles of an Artistic Ecosystem" Residencies
The Mains à l’Oeuvre association, in partnership with Locus Solus publishing house, is launching a call for residencies for its 2026-2027 editorial project: "Chronicles of an Artistic Ecosystem."
The Project
We are looking for three photographer/writer duos to join a six-month creative adventure. Each duo will be in residence for a two-month session to document, through images and writing, the work and daily lives of other artists hosted at Villa Rocabella (illustrators, sculptors, musicians, writers...)
Far from a traditional exhibition catalog, this art book aims to be an organic, committed, and eco-designed object. It explores three pillars:
- The communal ecosystem: analyzing how the collective nurtures the individual.
- Fragments of life: capturing the intimate journeys and creative resilience of the residents.
- Technological shifts: reflecting on the role of AI in our practices, without losing touch with the human element.
- Your mission: for photographers, the idea is to break away from institutional portrait conventions to offer a raw, immersive, and collaboratively conceived documentary approach with the artists. For writers: we expect a sensitive sociological perspective on the collective experience, capturing areas of friction, doubts, and pivotal creative moments.
The Sessions
- Session 1: November 02 to December 18, 2026
- Session 2: January 04 to February 19, 2027
- Session 3: March 01 to April 09, 2027
Application Process
Application review, then interview.
We are looking for candidates who can fully engage with a dynamic process.
For photographers:
- A portfolio showcasing your documentary / portrait approach.
- An up-to-date CV.
- A cover letter (max 1 page) detailing your interest in the documentary aspect and your approach to portraying people in your work.
For authors:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A writing sample (e.g., article, sociological narrative, essay, or reportage).
- A cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your interest in the subject and your approach to storytelling within an artistic context.
The visual identity of the work, characterized by contemporary collage and eco-design (vegetable inks, recycled papers), makes this project a true aesthetic and political manifesto.
Online application submission link: Apply for Rocabella residencies
Application deadline: August 30, 2026, midnight
Interview dates: September/Early October 2026
We look forward to discovering your unique perspectives!
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.
