The Circle of Friends of OVNi, founded in April 2024 by a group of collectors and friends of the festival, supports and promotes the initiatives led by Objectif V. Nice. Working alongside OVNi, the Circle affirms its commitment to contemporary creation and support for emerging artists. It actively contributes to the development of the Biennale, notably through its sponsorship of the OVNi Sud Emergence Prize and its support for residencies, thereby helping to consolidate a demanding and sustainable artistic ecosystem.
Through its three residency programs—writing, production, and cross-residencies—Le Cercle supports artists from the Sud and Occitanie regions, Monaco, and the Mediterranean basin. Each residency includes a grant, time for research and creation, mentorship, and a presentation as part of the OVNi Biennale 2026. At the same time, the Cercle offers its members gatherings, trips, and special opportunities centered on creation, strengthening ties between artists, professionals, and collectors on both local and international levels.