Kathmandu international artists in residency (KIAR 2025 – May / Swiss Citizens only)

Nepal is the Best Value Destination to travel. Nepal’s cultural landscape is every bit as diverse as its physical one. The spectacular Himalayas comprise the highest mountains on earth and boast a surreal landscape of snow-covered peaks sure to leave a powerful impression. The Himalayan country of Nepal, situated between India and China, offers some of the best access to these mountain peaks, where landscapes vary from subtropical valleys (complete with banana trees) to alpine forests (home to grazing yaks).

Customs and traditions differ from one part of Nepal to another. A conglomeration lies in the capital city Kathmandu where cultures are blending to form a national identity. Kathmandu Valley has served as the country’s cultural metropolis since the unification of Nepal in the 18th Century. A prominent factor in a Nepali’s everyday life is religion. Adding color to the lives of Nepalese are festivals the year round which they celebrate with much pomp and joy. Food plays an important role in the celebration of these festivals. The capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse historic city with breathtaking Newari architecture, and centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist religious sites. Stepping into Kathmandu is like stepping into another world that everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime. Kathmandu is a result of diverse cultures and lifestyles, a long history of faith and beliefs, and arts and architecture. Therefore, more than just a city, Kathmandu is a living open museum. KIAR is an opportunity to travel back in time and relive history as well as experience natural beauty.

KIAR 2025 – May is a one-month-long residency (30 days) for Swiss Citizen which is partially funded by the Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal.

Who can apply?

Must be a Swiss Citizen

• Visual Artist · Painter · Sculptor · Ceramist · Print Maker · Performing Artist · Musician · Writer · New Media Artist · Curator · Film Making · Theater Artist · Architecture · Art Critics · Researcher

Residency conditions

• Internet Connection / A private room during the residency / Shared working space during the residency / Access to shared spaces (kitchen, toilet, bathroom) / Laundry (Once a week) / Possibility to organize / workshop/debate in the residency / Promotion through social media / Human and technical resources / Connections with the local cultural scene

Working language(s):

• English · French · Farsi · Hindi · Bengali· Nepali

Expectations from the artist:

• Presentation
• Workshop (optional)
• Exhibition or Show or research presentation / publication

Expenses incurred by the artist:

• Travel / Supplies / Material / Daily expenses / Food / Volunteer Fee (if needed) / Health insurance /Exhibition cost

Expenses covered by host:

The Host will cover the expenses of studio visits, presentation sessions, critique sessions, the Final Curatorial Exhibition ( Digital Invitation, Digital Posters, Social media coverage, and technical support) and  Rent of room and Studio, expenses of electricity, water, and cooking gas supply.

Expenses supported by the Embassy of Switzerland:

Residency Fees