Applications are capped, because our team can only review each one properly. Apply and pay before the public opening on 16 October and your place in the review is guaranteed. Once the cap is reached, applications will close, even if that is before 30 November.
[Apply now: £25 application fee, including VAT]
Button link: https://buy.stripe.com/6oU28tbvqcik2W5c2PcjS0g
At a glance
- Applications close: 30 November 2026
- Decisions by: 15 January 2027
- Residency: 17 April to 1 May 2027
- Three funded places
About the residency
General Assembly invites emerging artists to apply for our Loire Valley Spring Residency, held at Le Moulin de Marnay in Azay-le-Rideau, France.
This funded residency offers a rare chance to step away from the rhythms of city life and into the stillness and wildness of the French countryside. Over two weeks, residents explore their practice in a setting that supports reflection, experimentation and renewal.
Artists are invited to attune to the natural environment, embrace the unfamiliar, and reconnect with intuitive making. Three residents will take part in Spring 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What’s included if I’m selected?
- Two-week residency at Le Moulin de Marnay (17 April to 1 May 2027)
- Accommodation and studio space
- Food and wine
- Use of a manual Fiat 500 for local travel (with a valid driving licence)
- A studio visit and dinner with General Assembly patrons
- Inclusion in a group exhibition in the Loire Valley or in London with General Assembly
Key dates
- Early access for the artist community: from 12 October 2026
- Public opening: 16 October 2026
- Applications close: 30 November 2026
- Decision notification: on or before 15 January 2027
- Please confirm your place by: 20 January 2027
- Residency: 17 April to 1 May 2027 (the dates are set and not flexible)
Who are we looking for?
General Assembly identifies, develops and showcases exceptional artists through exhibitions in our London gallery and residencies in the Loire Valley. We support practices that are rigorous, historically informed and conceptually strong, particularly those that interrogate the cultural and visual value of art in contemporary life.
We welcome applications from:
- Emerging artists
- International artists not currently represented in the UK
- Artists who would benefit from focused time in a rural setting
- Artists whose work we believe could develop toward future exhibitions with General Assembly
How do I apply?
- Pay the £25 application fee using the “Apply now” button.
- Email your application to Residency@generalassemblylondon.com as a single PDF titled with your surname, including:
- A one-page written proposal: what stage are you at in your practice, and how would you like to use your time at the residency?
- Your artist bio and statement
- A selection of 5 to 10 images that represent your current practice
- Your Instagram handle and/or website
Is there an application fee?
Yes. A non-refundable application fee of £25 (including VAT) covers review of your application by our curatorial team and consideration for one of three funded residencies. If you can’t pay by card, email Residency@generalassemblylondon.com and we’ll arrange another way.
What do I need to cover?
- Your travel to Tours, France
- Travel insurance (required)
How are applications selected?
- Artistic potential and rigour. We look for artists with clear potential for development, and a conceptually engaged, materially rich and evolving practice.
- Relevance to General Assembly’s vision. We prioritise practices that align with our curatorial approach, especially those exploring history, cultural meaning and visual language in original ways.
- Capacity to benefit from a rural residency. Tell us how your work or process could be enhanced by time in nature, solitude or open space.
- International or underrepresented UK presence. We are especially interested in artists whose work is not yet widely seen in the UK.
Selection is based on the work alone. The refer-a-friend prize draw has no effect on selection.
Who reviews applications?
Applications are assessed by General Assembly’s founder, Melanie Ashton, and the gallery team.
What happens if I’m selected?
If invited, you’ll be asked to:
- Confirm your participation by 20 January 2027
- Let us know you’re comfortable with animals (dogs, cats and chickens live at the property)
- Create one work for the residency’s permanent collection
- Collaborate on social media sharing during and after the residency
Can you help with visa applications?
Yes, we can provide a supporting letter. We can’t guarantee visa approval, and securing the visa is the applicant’s responsibility.
Refer a friend and win
Applied? Send this page to an artist friend. If they apply and name you under “Who referred you?” at checkout, you go into our prize draw to win one of three 1-on-1 virtual studio visits and mentoring sessions (one hour each) with Melanie and Lucie Tournal. You need to have applied yourself to enter. One entry for each friend who applies, and one prize per person. The draw closes at 23:59 UK time on 30 November 2026. Full terms to follow.
[Apply now: £25 application fee, including VAT]
Button link: https://buy.stripe.com/6oU28tbvqcik2W5c2PcjS0g