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 of Objectif V. Nice.
Working alongside OVNi, the Circle is committed to contemporary art 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 artist residencies, thereby helping to consolidate a demanding and sustainable artistic ecosystem.
Through its three residency programs—writing, production, and cross-disciplinary—the Cercle supports artists from the Sud and Occitanie regions, Monaco, and across the Mediterranean basin. Each residency includes a grant, dedicated time for research and creation, mentorship, and a presentation as part of the OVNi Biennale 2026. In parallel, the Cercle offers its members gatherings, trips, and special opportunities centered on artistic creation, strengthening connections between artists, professionals, and collectors at both local and international levels.