Open call for application for Bikalpa International Artists in Residency Program

Description:

Bikalpa Art Foundation is a dedicated platform for nurturing young artistic talents from around the world. With a commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange, we provide a space for emerging artists to thrive. Our Artists in Residence Program was established in 2013 to support artists and creative thinkers of all genres. It was paused for a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and now we are excited to resume it back at Bikalpa Art House, Chobhar, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.

We offer two distinct residency opportunities:

- An annual funded, six-week program for emerging artists under 30, with a fixed application deadline.
- A flexible, fee-based residency open to all artists year-round.

Through these programs, we aim to provide artists with a creative sanctuary to explore their artistic vision and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Nepal. Join us as we create a dynamic hub for artistic exploration and collaboration.

Duration:

The Annual Residency for Young Artists is designed and dedicated to supporting young artists. It has all fixed programs and dates that follow the same every year.

Open Call for Application July- August
Application deadline: November 27
Result Announce: 1st week of January 2025
Residence Program: March 15, 2025 - April 22
Open Studio/ Exhibition: April 25- April 30

The Ongoing Fee-Based Flexible Residency for All is designed for a wider artists' community, offering greater freedom in program and scheduling. It is flexible from a minimum of 2 weeks to a maximum of 3 months depending on the availability of the residence space. Each applicant will be communicated via email.

Outcome:

Our residency program is a place for experimentation, exploration, and innovation, and artists are encouraged to share the outcome of the residency with the local community. So, we expect artists in support of our team to organize artist talks,  presentations, workshops, and an open studio/ exhibition upon completion at the end of the residency program

Accommodation information:

The residence accommodations are arranged at the Bikalpa Art House. Residents will be provided with a private suite tiny house that includes a separate washroom and a simple pantry for basic food and drink preparation.

Accommodations for the “Annual Residency Program for Young Artists” are fully funded whereas residents for “The Fee-Bashed Flexible Residency Program for All” are responsible for their accommodations.

Studio Information:

Residents will be provided with a shared studio workshop and the maker’s studio. Our maker’s studio workshop is equipped with metal and woodworking tools and it will be available to the residents upon an advance booking and approval from the makers' studio workshop's manager.

Paid by Host:

Our residency program primarily supports the development of projects in a focused environment with effective coordination and management. As we host two distinct residencies, our financial support varies between them; however, both residencies provide artists with the following facilities and services:

• Networking opportunities with the local artistic community of Nepal
• Internet connection
• Weekly cleaning and laundry service
• Assistance in organizing workshops, presentations, and open studio exhibitions
• Documentation and social media promotion

Participants in the “Annual Residency Program for Young Artists” receive the following additional support:

• Accommodation
• Studio space
• Access to Maker's Workshop
• Mentorship
• Assistant or volunteer support for organizing major events and activities
• Funding for workshops and presentations
• Gallery rental and opening reception expenses for exhibitions

Paid by Artists:

Artists are responsible for the following expenses: 

• Visas 
  Air tickets
  Accident and Health Insurance
  Art supplies and other materials
  Daily food and transportation
  Mobile phone/SIM card
  Laptop/ computers

Fees for “Fee-Bashed Flexible Residency Program for All”

• Accommodation: 
  $ 300 (two weeks)
  $ 550 (a month)
  $ 1050 (two months) 
  $ 1575 (three months)
• Assistant/ Volunteer ($10- $20 per day – if needed)
• Open studio/ Exhibition ($100- 300)