Nepal

Space A is Kathmandu (Nepal) based non-governmental autonomous, non-political, no- profitable, and the Artist Initiative with the goal of establishing a stable platform for critical analysis, reflections, open discussions, information exchange, collaboration, and interactive communication. It aims at contributing to interdisciplinary contemporary art practices by setting up research, discursive events, exhibitions, and educational, and residency programs.

Kathmandu international artist-in-residence program (KIAR) is an initiative of Space A, a significant hub in the field of contemporary art both locally and internationally. The goal of the KIAR is to create an intellectual space where the residents will get the chance to penetrate the local cultural and socio-political contexts, as well as to combine their artistic practices (research, production, etc.) with meetings, lectures, and other discursive events with local and international artists, cultural experts, critics, and curators.

Brief Description of Residency

Nepal is the Best Value Destination to travel to. 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 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.

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 museum.

KIAR is an opportunity to travel back in time and relive history as well as experience natural beauty. This year we are going to organize a one-month-long residency (30 days) and a two-month-long residency (60 days). There will be four Residency programs. Each time max. 2 applicants will be selected.

(* If participants are interested, KIAR will arrange 7 days of trekking during the residency program. But participants will be responsible for all expenses for Trekking. This year we have selected Langtang valley to Kyanjin Gompa trek and Annapurna Base Camp – ABC trek.)

Who can apply?

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

Duration / Period of residencies (one month / 30 days )

1st period:  *****

2nd period: May

3rd period: *****

4th period: ******

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 of the artist

Presentation / Workshop for children or college students (optional) / Exhibition or open studio or research presentation

Expenses paid by the artist

Residency fee / Travel / Supplies / Material / Daily expenses / Food / Volunteer Fee (if needed) / Health insurance / Expenses for Trekking (if participants are interested in trekking)

Artudio is hosting a year around Artudio International Artist Residency (AIA Residency) program for two multidisciplinary artists which could last anywhere from 1 month to 6 months. As a group of visual art practitioners in Nepal, we intend to create an art space for not just artists, but individuals from all walks of life; for them to reflect on themselves, self-realize, be able to critically think and bring about transformative engagement through contemporary art practices, initiatives, exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and visual arts education. Artudio aims to create a sustainable art ecosystem and uncover the creative potential of its beneficiaries through the support of an extensive network of professional contemporary artists and art communities. As a platform, we intend to give you space and time to dive deeply into your creative processes and projects in an artistic environment.

WHY:

As an Artist-in-Residence, your participation is designed to be both supportive and inspirational and forges lifelong friendships, professional relationships, and future collaborations to inspire and further develop your practices. We aim to inspire artists to be productive, creative, and interactive since we will be providing you with an opportunity to meet and interact with the extended Nepali art community. We believe that the space we provide is a liberal space with reasonable fees and an opportunity to be exposed to Nepal’s contemporary art scene, and cultural and geographical diversity. 

WHERE:

We are located on Chhauni hospital road, Kathmandu, Nepal neighboring the Swayambhunath Stupa (one of the oldest historical sights of Kathmandu valley). Our location offers the perfect amount of greenery and easy access to the cities as well. We are not only situated near a UNESCO world heritage site (Swayambunath Stupa) but we are also amidst three notable museums namely, ‘Military Museum’, ‘National Museum of Nepal’, and ‘Natural History Museum of Nepal’. Along with that, popular hiking destinations like Ichangu Narayan and Jamacho from where you can see an impeccable view of the Kathmandu valley are also close by. You can get access to the ring road within 7 minutes of walking. With our location, we allow you to experience the best of both worlds.  

Moreover, Kathmandu Durbar Square (a UNESCO world heritage site), which hosts the old royal palace is only 3.1kms away from where we are situated. Other notable places in our locality include Dharahara, also known as Bhimsen Sthambha, which is situated 2½ km east of Chhauni; Maru, a historic neighborhood and one of the most important cultural spots in Nepal; Thamel, known for its nightlife and is quite popular among tourists; Asan, a ceremonial market and residential square; etc. 

FEES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

1 MONTH
USD 750

Final presentation or open studio
And 
Developing and conducting a workshop for children and youths within the period of the residency (This workshop can be based on the form of art your practice)

2 MONTHS
USD 1400

Final presentation
And
An open studio
And
Developing and conducting a one day workshop for children and youths within the period of the residency (This workshop can be based on the form of art your practice)

3 MONTHS
USD 2200

Final Presentation
And
An open studio or an exhibition (group/solo).
And

Developing and conducting a 3 days intensive workshop for children and youths within the period of the residency (This workshop can be based on the form of art your practice)

4 MONTHS
USD 2900

Final Presentation
And
An open studio/ Exhibition
And
Developing and conducting a 4 days intensive workshop for children and youths within the period of the residency (This workshop can be based on the form of art your practice).

5 MONTHS
USD 3600

Final Presentation
And
An exhibition.
And
Developing and conducting 5 days workshop/masterclasses for children and youths within the period of the residency

6 MONTHS
USD 4000

Final Presentation
And
An open studio
And
A solo exhibition
And
Developing and conducting a week-long workshop/masterclasses for children and youths within the period of the residency

We would love to receive one of your works created during the residency to save as an archive for Artudio’s collection. (This is completely optional).

We allow artists to bring one companion. If in case you would like to bring a family member or a partner along with you then $5 per day will be charged.

The fees must be deposited after your arrival during the initial phases of the residency.

FACILITIES WE PROVIDE:

 (Inclusive of the Fees)

One spacious bedroom, with a balcony viewing the Swayambhunath Stupa,

One shared kitchen space including, gas, gas/induction stove, refrigerator, one microwave oven, and basic kitchen utensils 

One common toilet with a shower (with hot water),

A shared workspace with one individual desk each to work on your projects,

Access to good wireless internet, however, you must bring your own laptop,

Electricity and water facilities.

A common washing machine for the whole building,

Airport pick-and-drop service,

Weekly housekeeping services, (Housekeeping services include dusting, changing sheets, and cleaning restroom only.)

Black and white printing services (A4 size), and photocopies,

Networking opportunities in the Nepali art scene,

Organizing exhibitions and presentations (in Artudio space) with invitations for these events,

Gallery, Studio, Museum, Library, and Site Visits (once a month as per artists’ needs)

However, if you feel as though you need more space to work on your project, you will also be given shared access to our studio space below. Moreover, we also have a restaurant (Pizzalaya) in our building if you do not feel like cooking!

EXPENSES NOT COVERED BY US:

Flight Expenses

Meals

Exhibition Curation

Printing promotional materials

Personal Travels

Supplies/Materials

Daily Expenses

Health Insurance

Expenses for trekking (if interested)

Out-of-valley travels

BOOKINGS:

Book your space at least one month prior and we will get back to you according to our availability! 

We will also be providing you with invitation letters, recommendation letters, certifications, and documents to help you with funding and travels.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Visual Artists

Painters

Sculptors

Ceramist

Print Maker

Sound Artists

Writers

Illustrators

New Media Artists

Photographers

Video Artists

Film/Documentary Makers

Designers

Curators

Art Critics

Researchers

Vloggers

Creative Influencers

Get the application form here:

https://artudio.net/art-residencies/