Chancellery of Parisian Universities - Fénéon Art Award

Fénéon Art Award

You will receive a one-off award of 2,000 EUR to help you continue your artistic training. This is an award rather than a monthly scholarship, so the sum will be paid as a one-off. The money comes from the Chancellery of the Universities of Paris, which has been awarding the Fénéon Prizes to young artists every year since 1949. The winner will also become a member of the jury for the following year’s prize. The exact amount may vary slightly from year to year, as it depends on the previous year’s income, but in practice it has always been 2,000 EUR.

Who can apply

• What you do: You are a young visual artist – for example, a painter, a sculptor or another artist working in the field of the visual arts.
• Age: You are under 36 on the 30 June deadline.
• Training: You are currently studying, or have studied, art at a French art college at Bachelor’s level (Licence) or above.
• Financial need: You have limited funds and need support to be able to continue your studies.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by email. Please send a digital portfolio containing between 5 and 15 pieces of work, a certificate of enrolment or a diploma from a French art college, a letter of motivation addressed to the jury, proof of identity to confirm your age, and the application form. The application deadline is 30 June. A jury comprising representatives from the art and literary scenes will review the applications, and the results will be announced in November. There will be no interview; the decision will be based on your portfolio and the documents submitted.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is awarded on a highly selective basis. You must be under 36 years of age, have studied at a French art college and be able to demonstrate a genuine financial need, which means the pool of eligible candidates is small. If you clearly meet these criteria and submit a compelling portfolio, your prospects are good. This is an annual prize awarded on the basis of the quality of your work; therefore, a compelling portfolio is of the utmost importance.