Kathmandu international artists in residency (KIAR 2026)

Discover Nepal – A Land of Culture & Natural Beauty

Nestled between India and China, Nepal is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and diverse cultures. Home to the majestic Himalayas—including Mount Everest—Nepal offers everything from subtropical valleys with banana trees to alpine forests with grazing yaks. The country’s cultural heritage is just as vast, with centuries-old temples, vibrant festivals, and deep-rooted traditions.

Kathmandu, the heart of Nepal, is an ancient city where history and modernity coexist. With its intricate Newari architecture, bustling markets, and sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites, Kathmandu is more than just a city—it’s a living museum. Walking its streets feels like stepping back in time, offering an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

About KIAR

Space A’s Kathmandu International Artist-in-Residency (KIAR) program offers immersive residencies for artists across disciplines—visual arts, performance, music, writing, and more. Set in the vibrant cultural hub of Kathmandu, KIAR fosters collaboration, critical dialogue, and artistic experimentation, providing a space for reflection and research in an inspiring interdisciplinary environment.

KIAR is an opportunity to travel back in time and to relive in history as well as experience natural beauty. We are going to organize a one-month-long residency (30 days) and two-month long residency (60 days). Each time max. 4 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.

(Tracking: Annapurna base camp (ABC) or Langtang track or Mardi track)

Residency Details

Duration:

• 30 days (1 month)
• 60 days (2 months)

Residency Highlights:
✔ Private room & shared working space (rooftop, 2 studios and ceramic kilns) with Internet Connection
✔ Access to shared spaces: kitchen, bathroom, and weekly laundry service
✔ Optional 7-day trekking (Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang, or Mardi trek)
✔ Opportunities to host workshops or presentations
✔ Promotion through Space A’s platforms
✔ Strong connections with Nepal’s cultural and artistic community
✔ Human and technical resources

Working language(s):
English / French /Farsi / Hindi / Bengali /Nepali

Who Can Apply?

• Visual Artist / Painter / Sculptor / Ceramist / Print Maker / Performing Artist / Musician / Writer / New Media Artist / Curator / Film Making / Theater Artist / Architect / Art Critic / Researcher

Expenses Covered by Artists:

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

Expectations from the artist

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

Companions allowed

• Partner (1 person in advance confirmation)