What's Happening?
Villa Albertine and the Albertine Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2026 FUSED Grants, aimed at fostering artistic exchange in contemporary dance between France and the United States. The grants will support projects that promote artistic collaboration
and facilitate regional and national tours for the grantees. Notable recipients include François Chaignaud & Aymeric Hainaux, Dorothée Munyaneza, and Benjamin Millepied & Dimitri Chamblas. The Albertine Foundation, formerly known as the FACE Foundation, is an American nonprofit organization that collaborates with the French Institute for Culture and Education of the French Embassy in the US. It aims to promote artistic, literary, and educational exchange between creative professionals from both countries. Villa Albertine, with outposts in 10 US cities, supports exchanges in arts and ideas through various programs, including customized residencies and cross-cultural dialogues.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of the 2026 FUSED Grantees is significant as it underscores the ongoing cultural collaboration between the United States and France, particularly in the field of contemporary dance. This initiative not only strengthens the cultural ties between the two nations but also provides a platform for artists to showcase their work on an international stage. The grants will enable artists to reach wider audiences across the US, promoting cultural diversity and artistic innovation. For the US arts community, this collaboration offers opportunities for exposure to new artistic expressions and methodologies, potentially influencing local artistic practices and enriching the cultural landscape.
What's Next?
The FUSED Grants will facilitate several performances and tours across the United States. Notably, Aymeric Hainaux and François Chaignaud will present their work 'Mirlitons' at the Center for the Art of Performance, UCLA, while Dorothée Munyaneza will perform 'Toi, Moi, Tituba' at New York Live Arts. Additionally, the International Dance Festival New Orleans will feature performances supported by the grant. These events are expected to attract diverse audiences and foster further cultural exchanges. The success of these performances could lead to more collaborative projects and sustained partnerships between US and French cultural institutions.
