La Napoule Art Foundation x Prameya Art Foundation

Exploratory residency, Group residency with international residents

Residency brief

Prameya Art Foundation (PRAF) is a not-for-profit initiative based in New Delhi whose aim is to support emerging artists and curators, as well as to encourage experimental practices and trans-disciplinary collaborations in South Asia.

Art Scribes 2025 is designed as an annual art writer’s award, an eminent, rotating jury consisting of art critics and curators is assigned the task of choosing an applicant who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to research, conceptual frameworks and art history in their writing practice, as the recipient of the award. Applications are received via open call as opposed to nominations to ensure equal opportunity.

The chosen writer is awarded an international curatorial residency in partnership with La Napoule Art Foundation (LNAF) at Chateau La Napoule in order to help demonstrate his/her/their critical acumen in curatorial research. La Napoule Art Foundation offers time and space for creative minds to engage in cultural interchange and meaningful work that impacts the world for the greater good. In addition to using this time to explore new ideas and develop their work, residents are expected to take every opportunity, especially mealtimes, to build community and friendship as well as to exchange ideas and experiences.

Research and writing produced during this time will ultimately lead to an exhibition curated by the resident and coordinated by Prameya Art Foundation in New Delhi, a year after the residency.

  • Thematic focus Critical writing, Curatorial practice
  • Location Château de La Napoule
  • Dates March 2026
  • Length of stay 1 month

Location

The Château de La Napoule has a long and storied history. While the site was first discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, during the medieval era, a fortress was then erected on the site, which itself was destroyed and rebuilt several times.

In 1918, it was bought by the American couple Henry and Marie Clews who spent 17 years transforming this building into an artistic retreat. Marie worked as the architect and landscape designer – adding a turreted gate house, tall ramparts, seaside terraces, and acres of gardens. Henry continued his sculpture and adorned each capital, crevice, and column with mythical creatures. Today, LNAF continues Henry and Marie’s dream by inviting artists to discover for themselves the “creative spirit” that’s still alive at La Napoule. The geographical location of the Château de la Napoule, situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, in the heart of a region rich in cultures and historical and artistic testimonies, makes it an ideal haven for creators.

Residency conditions

  • The resident will be provided with a studio space in which to work. Studios are located throughout the Château property, some inside the castle and some in towers on its grounds. Artists are asked to address any specific requirements for studio space in their applications.
  • The resident will be housed in a single room in the recently renovated Villa Marguerite, located across a small street from the Château, or in the Château. Rooms are equipped with private baths and each has sea or garden views. Wireless internet is available in the Villa’s and Château’s common areas as well as in the rooms and studios. Linen service is provided weekly. There is a washing machine, dryer, and clothesline at the Villa for residents’ use.
  • The resident will be provided breakfast and dinner on weekdays. Meals are often held in the Château’s gothic dining room, providing the opportunity for exchange and community. For lunches and weekend meals, residents have full access to the kitchen in the Villa Marguerite to store and prepare their own food. The village of La Napoule also offers numerous restaurants and cafés just a few blocks from the Villa and Château.
  • The resident will receive a fixed stipend of INR. 30,000 per month to cover his/her food and living expenses.
  • The resident will receive a residency grant of INR. 50,000 per month.
  • The resident’s travel costs to and from his/her home address will be covered by the French Institute in India.

Eligibility criteria

  • Proficiency in English is required for the applicant
  • Indian citizens under the age of 40 as on 31st May 2025 are eligible for consideration
  • Work experience of at least 2 years in their respective fields
  • The resident must be living in India at the time of the exhibition (2027).
  • For further guidelines, please visit https://www.praf.in

Past Laureates

Second Edition (2024 - 2025)
Annalisa Mansukhani Writer