XR RESIDENCY FARNESE-MEDICI 2026-2027
Call for applications open until March 17, 2026 (included)
Launched in 2022 by NewImages, the Institut Français d’Italie and the Académie de France à Rome - Villa Médicis, the XR Farnese-Medici Residency returns for its fifth edition. The program is open to XR creators based in France who wish to develop the prototype of an immersive project while immersing themselves in the Italian cultural and XR ecosystem and fostering lasting collaborations between France and Italy.
What the residency offers
- A one-month residency at Villa Medici (Rome) in October 2026
- Accommodation fully covered at Villa Medici
- A €6,000 grant to cover travel and living expenses
- A year-long accompaniment within the Italian XR ecosystem
- Regular access to a workspace at Villa Medici
- Artistic and technical mentorship
- Networking opportunities within the Italian digital and cultural sector
- Participation in and presentation opportunities at Venice XR, Torino Film Industry, Bright Festival and Videocittà
- Opportunities to present the prototype to professional and international audiences
Eligible projects
- XR / Extended Reality projects (VR 360 or interactive, AR, MR, immersive installations, immersive sound, 4D, etc.)
- Projects in development or prototype stage
- Led by an established artist or professional in the digital or immersive field
Eligibility requirements
✓ Be 18 years old or older
✓ Reside in France
✓ Be a French citizen or permanent resident
✓ Have previous experience in the field of digital and/or immersive arts
✓ Proficiency in English required (Italian is a plus)
In partnership with
Initiated by NewImages, the Institut Français d’Italie and the Académie de France à Rome - Villa Médicis, as part of a cultural and digital cooperation initiative between France and Italy
Key dates
- March 17, 2026: Application deadline
- March 2026: Online pitch session for shortlisted candidates
- April 10, 2026: Announcement of the selected resident at NewImages Festival 2026
