Are you preparing an exhibition abroad, participating in an international biennial, or developing a cross-border cultural partnership? The Programme International de Diffusion Artistique (PIDA), managed by the French Institute (Institut français), supports projects that promote the international dissemination of French artistic creation. Applications for the 2026 edition are open until 30 October 2026.
Through this programme, the French Institute supports the international circulation of artists, artworks and cultural professionals while encouraging long-term international cooperation. PIDA is one of France’s key public funding schemes dedicated to the international visibility of French artistic creation.
What is PIDA?
The Programme International de Diffusion Artistique (PIDA) is a funding programme created by the French Institute to support the international dissemination of French artistic projects.
Its mission is to encourage the presentation of French artists and cultural initiatives at major international events, including exhibitions, biennials, festivals and touring programmes, while strengthening cultural cooperation between French and international partners. The programme also supports the French diplomatic and cultural network abroad in developing artistic programming.
PIDA is part of the French Institute’s broader strategy to promote French artistic and cultural excellence worldwide, in partnership with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture.
Why is this programme important?
Developing an international artistic project requires significant financial resources, strong institutional partnerships and access to international professional networks.
PIDA goes beyond financial support. It encourages cultural cooperation, facilitates the circulation of artworks and artists, and helps establish long-term collaborations between French cultural organisations and international institutions.
According to the French Institute, these initiatives are designed to expand professional networks, create new economic opportunities and strengthen the international presence of French cultural and creative industries.
Who can apply?
PIDA supports both French cultural professionals and international organisations presenting French artistic projects.
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- artists;
- curators;
- artistic collectives;
- performing companies;
- art galleries;
- museums;
- contemporary art centres;
- festivals and biennials;
- French cultural institutions;
- international cultural organisations presenting French artists.
This collaborative approach encourages the development of international cultural partnerships.
What types of projects are supported?
PIDA supports projects that contribute to the international dissemination of French artistic creation, including:
- contemporary art exhibitions;
- participation in international biennials;
- touring programmes;
- international cultural cooperation projects;
- artistic programming organised by French or international cultural institutions.
The programme covers a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, photography, architecture, design, crafts, digital creation, music and performing arts.
PIDA 2026 in numbers
The French Institute’s 2026 programme demonstrates the scale of its international commitment.
| Key figures | 2026 Edition |
|---|---|
| Supported projects | 171 |
| French organisations supported | 66% |
| International organisations presenting French programming | 23% |
| French cultural network abroad | 11% |
| Funding dedicated to visual arts, architecture, design and crafts | 61% |
More broadly, the French Institute supports over 1,900 artists and cultural professionals worldwide through its international programmes in 2026.
Examples of supported projects
The 2026 programme highlights the diversity of initiatives supported through the French Institute.
Among them are:
- the participation of French artists in the 25th Biennale of Sydney;
- Mbanza Congo: Living Heritage, a Franco-Angolan cooperation project combining heritage, architecture and contemporary creation;
- the international programme celebrating the Bicentenary of Photography, involving more than thirty countries.
These examples illustrate the diversity of projects supported through PIDA.
How to apply
Before submitting an application, applicants should:
- confirm their project’s eligibility;
- identify their international partners;
- prepare the required documentation;
- submit their application before the deadline.
Detailed eligibility criteria, application guidelines and required documents are available on the official French Institute website.
Application timeline
Applications for PIDA 2026 are open from 1 July to 30 October 2026.
Practical information
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Programme International de Diffusion Artistique (PIDA) |
| Organised by | French Institute (Institut français) |
| Eligible applicants | Artists, curators, collectives, galleries, museums, art centres and cultural organisations |
| Disciplines | Visual arts, photography, architecture, design, crafts, digital creation, music and performing arts |
| Application period | 1 July – 30 October 2026 |
Submit your application
Full eligibility criteria, application guidelines and the online application form are available on the official French Institute website.
Official programme page:
https://www.institutfrancais.com/en/programme/programme-international-de-diffusion-artistique-pida
Online application platform (IFprog):
https://ifprog.emundus.fr
Are you developing an international art project?
Are you an artist, gallery, curator or cultural institution planning an exhibition or an international artistic initiative?
ART MAG highlights projects that contribute to the international visibility of French and European contemporary art. If your project has been selected through PIDA or is part of an international collaboration, we would be pleased to hear from you for possible editorial coverage.
FAQ
PIDA is the French Institute’s international funding programme supporting the dissemination of French artistic projects and international cultural cooperation.
Artists, curators, artistic collectives, galleries, museums, art centres and cultural organisations presenting French artistic projects may be eligible
The programme supports exhibitions, biennials, festivals, touring programmes and international cultural cooperation initiatives.
Applications are open until 30 October 2026.
While PIDA focuses on the international dissemination of artistic projects and cultural cooperation, PICC supports the international development of France’s cultural and creative industries.
An opportunity for artists and cultural organisations
As international collaboration becomes increasingly important for artists, galleries and cultural institutions, PIDA provides a valuable opportunity to expand professional networks, develop international partnerships and increase the visibility of French contemporary creation abroad. Through this programme, the French Institute continues to strengthen France’s cultural presence on the international stage.