Ésam Starter 2027: Curatorial Mentorship for Two Artists in Residence

Organisations: Ésam Caen/Cherbourg, Cité internationale des arts and C-E-A (French Association of Exhibition Curators)
Location: Paris, France
Fee: €1,200 (incl. taxes), plus up to €300 for travel and accommodation expenses
Duration: 2 February – 27 April 2027
Commitment: 23 hours of mentorship across three months, with at least half of the sessions in person
Eligibility: Current C-E-A members who have not previously participated in the programme
Application deadline: 15 November 2026

This listing has been translated from French. Although no formal language requirement is specified, proficiency in French is likely necessary to undertake the role.

Ésam Caen/Cherbourg, Cité internationale des arts and C-E-A invite applications from professional curators to mentor two emerging artists during their three-month residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris.

The opportunity forms part of Ésam Starter, a professional development programme supporting graduates of Ésam Caen/Cherbourg as they transition into professional artistic practice.

The selected curator will work closely with artists Ambroise Le Goff and Antonin Popelin, offering tailored guidance on artistic research, portfolio development, professional networking, communication and career development.

About Ésam Starter

Ésam Starter supports graduates of Ésam Caen/Cherbourg following completion of their DNSEP qualification through residencies, creative development programmes and access to working spaces.

Since January 2022, the Cité internationale des arts has welcomed two Ésam graduates each year for a three-month residency in Paris.

The programme aims to support the professional integration of emerging artists, providing time and space to develop their artistic practices and establish professional networks.

As part of this initiative, the artists receive individualised support from a professional curator selected through an open call organised in partnership with C-E-A.

Artists in Residence 2027

The two selected artists will undertake their residencies from 2 February to 27 April 2027 at the Cité internationale des arts, Marais site, Paris.

Ambroise Le Goff

A 2025 graduate of Ésam Caen/Cherbourg, Ambroise Le Goff develops fictional narratives through multidisciplinary artistic practices combining drawing, ceramics, collage, sound, textiles and performance.

Working with archival imagery and altered photographs, the artist constructs narratives and fictional identities that explore the relationship between imagination and reality.

Antonin Popelin

Antonin Popelin graduated from Ésam Caen/Cherbourg in 2025. His practice focuses on sculpture, installation and drawing on plasterboard.

Through assemblage and hybridisation of objective and personal experiences, he creates ambiguous narrative spaces that explore attraction and repulsion.

Curatorial Mentorship Programme

The selected curator will support both artists in their professional development through a series of thematic meetings.

Areas of mentorship may include:

• Improving portfolios, websites, visibility and communication strategies.
• Budget management and administrative resources.
• Developing professional networks and relationships.
• Advice on exhibition installation and presentation.
• Identifying funding opportunities and support schemes for artistic production.
• Structuring artistic research and professional practice.
• Developing the artists’ ability to present and discuss their work in writing and in public.

The curator may also share relevant artistic references, facilitate introductions to other arts professionals and advise on managing artistic projects and residency activities.

Time Commitment and Working Arrangements

The mentorship takes place over three months, from 2 February to 27 April 2027.

The selected curator is expected to provide 23 hours of mentorship across the two artists, organised as either:

• Five sessions of four hours and one session of three hours; or
• Three sessions of seven hours and one session of two hours.

The sessions must be distributed equitably between the two artists and may take place individually or collectively.

At least half of the sessions must be conducted in person.

An introductory meeting with the curator, artists and representatives of the partner organisations is planned for the week of 8 February 2027, subject to confirmation. This meeting will last no longer than 45 minutes and is not included in the mentorship hours.

The curator and artists will also participate in a final evaluation meeting with the programme partners.

Remuneration and Expenses

The curator will receive:

• €1,200 (including taxes) for the full 23 hours of mentorship.
• Reimbursement of travel and/or accommodation expenses up to €300 (including taxes), upon presentation of supporting documentation.

The maximum total remuneration and expense reimbursement is €1,500 (including taxes).

A single invoice covering the mentorship services must be submitted to Ésam Caen/Cherbourg for the full three-month period.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be current members of C-E-A (French Association of Exhibition Curators), with membership fees paid and up to date.
• Not have previously participated in the Ésam Starter curatorial mentorship programme.

Curators who applied in previous editions but were not selected are eligible to apply again.

Ésam Caen/Cherbourg and Cité internationale des arts will select the curator and confirm the appointment with C-E-A. The two participating artists will also be consulted during the selection process.

Image: Courtesy of Ésam Caen/Cherbourg, Cité internationale des arts and C-E-A.