Bordeaux Launches Enterprising Arts education Initiative with New Sponsorship Calls
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The city of Bordeaux is doubling down on its commitment to accessible arts and culture,announcing two new calls for projects focused on sponsorships and EAC residencies,designed to integrate artistic and cultural experiences into the lives of residents of all ages,particularly those facing social or health vulnerabilities. Two webinars are scheduled to provide detailed facts and answer questions about the application process.
Expanding Access to Arts and Culture: the “100% EAC” Policy
Labeled “100% EAC” in 2022, Bordeaux’s artistic and cultural education (EAC) policy prioritizes inclusivity and long-term engagement. The city aims to provide EAC opportunities to all students in its primary schools – a total of 16,800 children – by 2027, alongside targeted programs for vulnerable populations. This strategy emphasizes the three pillars of EAC: doing, meeting, and appropriating, fostering a deeper connection between participants and the arts.
“These projects are not about one-off events,” explained a senior city official. “They are about building sustained relationships and creating opportunities for co-creation and meaningful engagement.”
The Power of Sponsorship: bridging Culture and Community
The sponsorship call for projects aims to support collaborations between cultural actors and social structures (schools, hospitals, associations, etc.). Projects should be designed to address specific needs within the community and promote social inclusion through artistic and cultural activities.
Project Timeline:
- Year 1:
- A co-construction meeting is recommended before December.
- Initial contact or intervention with stakeholders should occur before March.
- Project deployment will follow, with valuation occurring in May or June.
Year 2:
- Continued project deployment.
- Final valuation is scheduled for May.
According to city guidelines, projects within schools must encompass all classes, while those in social structures should involve the most engaged beneficiaries and the supervisory team. A final “valorization” phase at the end of the two years is mandatory, ensuring documentation of the project’s process and outcomes.
Eligibility and Application Details
Cultural establishments, associations, culture and science professionals, artists, and collectives with legal registration (SIRET number) are eligible to apply. the city encourages applicants to consider partnering with a mediation structure or association for coordination and support.
Applications will be accepted online between January 12 and February 12, 2026, via an aid portal accessible through the Bordeaux Métropole account. A guide to registration and application is available on the portal.
Important Dates and Contact Information
here’s a key timeline for the call for projects:
- Mid-January: Launch of the call for projects.
- January 22 (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.) & January 27 (10 a.m.-11 a.m.): information webinars.
- February 12, 11:59 p.m.: Application deadline.
- Early March: Selection committee review.
- March 11: Call for applications published on ADAGE for schools.
- March 25: End of ADAGE campaign.
- April: Commission validates sponsorship matches.
- June 2: Validation presented to the Municipal Council; results communicated.
- September 9 (morning): Launch meeting for new sponsorships.
For further information, the City of Bordeaux’s EAC team can be contacted at [email protected]. This initiative represents a notable investment in the cultural vitality of Bordeaux and its commitment to ensuring that the arts are accessible to all.
