Dear Friends, 
Building on the success of the Lafayette Fellowship’s launch last year and following a successful Summer Leadership Program with our inaugural cohort, I am delighted to announce that applications for the 2027–2028 Lafayette Fellowship are now open. They will remain open through December 1, 2026. 
This program offers a unique opportunity to join the next generation of young leaders committed to strengthening the transatlantic relationship. The Lafayette Fellowship funds one year of master's-level study in France for up to 30 outstanding American students.  
Open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, the program partners with leading French universities and grandes écoles across STEM, the humanities, the social sciences, and the arts, with degree programs offered in French or entirely in English. 
In addition to their academic studies, Fellows participate in the French-American Leadership Program, which provides an immersive introduction to French and European innovation, culture, and public policy, alongside mentorship opportunities. 
Last summer, our inaugural Fellows traveled to Paris, Avignon, Arles, and Marseille for the opening chapter of the program. Through masterclasses with leading figures, visits to major institutions, and unique cultural experiences, they discovered France from multiple perspectives while building a strong community of their own. Their journey will continue throughout the year, with additional sessions in Strasbourg and the Paris region. You can learn more about the inaugural cohort's Summer Leadership Program here. [ https://villa-albertine.org/va/lafayette/inside-the-2026-lafayette-fellows-leadership-program/ ]
As our inaugural Fellows now begin their academic year in France, we look forward to identifying our next cohort of Lafayette Fellows.  
Learn more about our upcoming informational webinars and additional program updates on the Lafayette Fellowship website.  [ https://lafayette.villa-albertine.org/ ]
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Florence Botello at lafayettefellowship@villa-albertine.org. 
Warm regards, 
Mohamed Bouabdallah
Cultural Counselor and Director of Villa Albertine
Founder of the Lafayette Fellowship 
French Embassy in the United States 

Event details

entry
https://www.deviantart.com/hddeviant/art/Nursery-Rhyme-Collaboration-03-1260121903
 
gallery
https://www.deviantart.com/hddeviant/gallery/94686018/nursery-rhyme-collaboration

Event details

Shoebox collab finished!
https://www.deviantart.com/goldenemotions/journal/Shoebox-collab-finished-1260130015
my comment
https://www.deviantart.com/comments/1/1260130015/5245022705
 
MY RANT
... only 26 artist came through... you know what bothers me about the charity drives is, the people who organize them get someone to pay based on activity. The payment isn't money. The payment is your art. Artists paying for something with their art in my view is the ultimate currency for any artists. And yet, even though I shared this in so many places. Only 26 came through, so only eight boxes. Only eight boxes. That isn't even a classful of children. 
And all the bullshit arguments from various artists really come into my mind. 
... I don't like deviantart, it is too much porn, I don't like the messages
BULLSHIT
... oh the SEO I need to see a better environment, I am uncomfortable with 
BULLSHIT
These charity drives are the only things I do in my art where my art literally pays for the action and it is to a total stranger I will never see or know of personally. And I don't mind at all. I can comprehend issues aiding an adult stranger, but any adult who has issues aiding a stranger child when what they are being asked to do is something they do every day ... I have an issue with that adult... it is the holiday season. In my mind I Was hoping , alot , I was hoping, we artist would break the bank and get a whole big school of children little boxes to brighten their spirit... 
Damn
 
and... so many people I share their artwork, their financial agendas, with no negativity, with hope. I know some of those people saw my charity post and just moved on. Couldn't even share it. Damn... 
yeah ok. 

Event details