KIAR 2026 - Spring (Kathmandu International Artist in Residency)

The Kathmandu International Artist-in-Residence (KIAR) program, run by Space A in Kathmandu, Nepal, offers immersive residencies for artists across a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, performance, music, writing, and more. Space A is a significant contemporary art hub, promoting critical dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange among local and international artists. Its mission is to create a space for reflection, research, and experimentation in interdisciplinary contemporary art.

Brief Description of Residency

Nepal is the best value destination to visit. 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 blend 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 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 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)

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 (30 days or 60 days):

Spring: March / April / May

Summer: June / July / August

Autumn: September / October / November / December

Residency conditions

• Internet Connection
• A private room during the residency
• Shared working space during the residency (rooftop, 2 studios and ceramic kilns).
• 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 for children or college students (optional)
• Exhibition or open studio or research presentation

Expenses of the artist

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