French-Algerian artist and author Islem Haouati has been selected as the winner of the first-ever Ecla Artists in Residence Award, an honor bestowed by UXCO Group and MyFUJIFILM France. The Paris-based artist will receive a one- to two-month residency stay at one of the three Ecla residencies located in the Île-de-France region, providing him with a unique opportunity to create and share his artistic vision within these specialized creative spaces.

The prestigious award stems from a call for projects launched in June 2025 by UXCO Group and MyFUJIFILM, specifically designed to support emerging contemporary photographic talent. The initiative aims to nurture new voices in the photography world by offering selected artists dedicated time and space to develop their work in a supportive residential environment.

Haouati, who was born in Blida, Algeria, brings impressive credentials to his residency. He is a graduate of the European School of Art in Brittany and has developed a distinctive artistic practice that seamlessly combines multiple mediums including photography, video, installation, and drawing. His artistic philosophy centers on giving voice to silences and revealing what he describes as the discreet beauty of existence, themes that resonate throughout his diverse body of work.

The artist has an exciting year ahead, with several major projects scheduled for 2025. He is set to present his work "De toutes les luttes" (Of All Struggles) at the prestigious Mamia Bretesché gallery in Arles, one of France's most important venues for contemporary photography. Additionally, Haouati will participate in an international festival in Brazil, further expanding his global artistic reach and cultural exchange opportunities.

The impact of Haouati's residency will extend well beyond his stay at the Ecla facility. His works created during the residency period are scheduled to be exhibited starting in 2026, with confirmed shows at Ecla Genève Archamps among other venues. The project will also result in a significant publication - a new book featuring his residency works accompanied by a text written by Norbert Hillaire, a respected art and media theorist whose insights will provide scholarly context for Haouati's creations.

UXCO Group has expressed enthusiasm about the program's launch and its potential to enhance the artistic atmosphere of the Ecla residencies. The organization emphasized its commitment to providing young artists with opportunities to fully express their creative souls through art, viewing the residency program as a way to enrich both the resident artists and the broader creative community. The company extended congratulations to Haouati and expressed anticipation for the public's discovery of his new creations in 2026. In the meantime, art enthusiasts and followers can view Haouati's current photographic work through his Instagram account, which showcases his ongoing artistic development and unique visual perspective.