BMW France has announced an open call for applications for the 2012 residency program in Chalon-sur-Saône. The automaker has teamed up with the Nicéphore Niépce Museum to support contemporary photographic arts.

Photo: Nicéphore Niépce Museum, from www.bmw.fr

BMW is funding this residency at the Nicéphore Niépce Museum for the second year running. This year’s call encourages young photographers to complete a project during a three-month residency in fall 2012, from September 10 to December 7. The winner will scoop a grant of €6000 and the payment of accommodation costs in Chalon-sur-Saône. The first BMW residency provided photographer Alexandra Catière with the opportunity to develop her career.

The artist’s residency will result in the production of works created with the technical support of the museum’s laboratory, as well as the co-publication of a book and the exhibition at the Rencontres d’Arles festival.

A selection of works chosen jointly by the artist and the museum directors will be produced in three sets: the first to be presented to the artist, the second to the museum to bolster its contemporary collections, and the third to BMW.

Photographers can apply till March 19. They should include a biography, a file presenting the general approach of the artist and a proposal setting out the artistic project planned for Chalon-sur-Saône. After the selection process by the selection committee, the winner will be announced during the week of May 22. A full application pack can be downloaded from the museum and BMW France websites.

The funding of the residency is a part of BMW commitment for the support creative arts, particularly for contemporary photographers. BMW supports over 100 varied cultural projects all over the world, in modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music, and architecture and design. Last December it supported Art Basel Miami and is currently collaborating with Tate Gallery, London.

Jordane de Tyssandier, in charge of Cultural Communications at BMW France, said: “We always make every effort to give our partners absolute creative freedom, which is essential for the creation of artistic masterpieces, just as it is for the emergence of major innovations in a company. In France, our commitment is particularly reflected in our support for photography; this medium is a wonderful example of the affinities between an art form and a brand, both of which are underpinned by a technical performance dedicated to esthetics and pleasure.”