Painting · Drawing · Sculpture · Photography · Film · Video · Digital & New Media · Installation · Performance · Sound · Textile · Fashion · Writing · Poetry · Art History · Curatorial Practice · Interdisciplinary Practice

Artists from Europe are particularly encouraged to apply.

Selection is based on the strength of the artistic practice, seriousness of engagement and potential for meaningful cultural exchange.

WHAT KIAR OFFERS

• Accommodation
• Residential accommodation within the KIAR environment, with private or shared options depending on availability. Limited private cabin/artist-house accommodation may also be available.
• Studio & Practice Space
• Residents have access to shared studios, painting/drawing space, performance rehearsal space, basic woodworking facilities, limited library resources and common areas.
• KIAR is intended to support artistic practice rather than function as a fully equipped commercial production studio. Specialised requirements should be discussed before arrival.
• Living Environment
• Wi-Fi, kitchen access, refrigerator, washing machine, common areas, rooftop/outdoor space and local support are provided.
• The environment is informal, independent and community-oriented, allowing artists to work while remaining connected to an international artistic community.

CULTURAL & ARTISTIC EXCHANGE

• The residency encourages artists to move beyond the studio through:
• Artist-to-artist exchange · Cultural research · Studio encounters · Workshops · Knowledge-sharing · Artist talks · Open studios · Public programmes · Exhibitions · Screenings
• Artists may engage with Indian and international artists, craftspeople, traditional practitioners and local communities.
• Longer residencies may offer greater opportunities for exhibitions and public engagement, depending on programme planning and availability.

BHUBANESWAR & ODISHA

• Bhubaneswar provides the immediate cultural context of the residency, while Odisha offers a wider field for artistic research.
• Artists may explore ancient caves and archaeological sites, historic temples and sculpture, Buddhist and Jain heritage, Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake, Raghurajpur and Pattachitra, textile and handloom traditions, indigenous and tribal cultural environments, and contemporary cultural spaces.
• These are approached not simply as destinations, but as living contexts for observation, research, documentation and artistic inquiry.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION & VISIBILITY

• Depending on duration and programme planning, residents may have opportunities for:
• Open studios · Group or solo exhibitions · Artist talks · Workshops · Screenings · Public presentations · Residency catalogues · Documentation · Online visibility · KIAR/ARTHUBin.com archive and artist network

DURATION & FEES

• Residencies range from 3 weeks to 4 months.
  
  
• Duration      Single          Twin Sharing
• 21 days      $850          $750
• 30 days      $1,700          $1,200
• 2 months         $2,800          $2,200
• 3 months         $3,900          $2,800
• 4 months         $4,800          $3,200

Note : INR rates follow the current KIAR fee structure. Groups of 3–6 may contact KIAR regarding group arrangements. Fees and availability should be confirmed before travel.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Accommodation · Studio access · Airport pickup · Local logistical support · Residency support · Wi-Fi · Local/cultural guidance · Selected cultural experiences · Simple local breakfast and Lunch.

NOT INCLUDED

International airfare · Applicable domestic travel · Visa fees · Art materials · Personal expenses · Food, except where arranged

Dinner can be arranged locally at additional cost. [ 7$ per person ] OR Residenct artists can use the open kitchen or can just walk away to have food from nearest restaurants.

FUNDING & SUPPORT

• KIAR primarily operates on a self-funded model. Depending on selection, availability and programme circumstances, partial sponsorship or discounts may be available.
• KIAR can provide invitation/acceptance letters to support applications for independent funding.
• Artists may explore support through arts councils, cultural foundations, universities, European cultural institutions, embassies, artist-mobility programmes and private sponsors.
• Funding is not guaranteed and should be discussed with KIAR in advance.

ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES

KIAR is a cultural exchange programme, not simply accommodation and studio space.

• Residents may be expected to contribute through an artist talk/open studio, cultural or practice presentation, workshop or knowledge-sharing session, and, where applicable, an exhibition or public presentation.
• Artists are expected to respect the shared community environment.

APPLICATION : 
What We Look For

• A strong artistic practice · Curiosity · Openness to dialogue · Serious artistic development · Interest in research or experimentation · Positive contribution to an international artist community
• We are not looking for a particular style. We are looking for a meaningful reason to come.

What to Submit

1. Artist Statement — Your practice, interests and current concerns.

2. Portfolio — Recent work demonstrating your artistic development.

3. CV — Exhibitions, residencies, education, projects and professional experience.

4. Statement of Interest / Residency Proposal — What you would like to explore in India. A fully developed project is not required.

5. Preferred Dates & Duration

Selection

• Applications are reviewed individually, considering artistic quality, relevance, cultural-exchange potential, research objectives and programme availability.
• KIAR aims to build a meaningful international artist community rather than operate as a high-volume residency.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Ask yourself:

• Do I want time to develop my practice?
• Am I open to a different cultural context?
• Do I want to research, observe and exchange—not simply travel?
• Could a different environment expand the way I think about my work?

If yes, KIAR may be the right environment for you.

BEGIN THE CONVERSATION

• Artists are welcome to contact KIAR before applying to discuss dates, duration, artistic or research interests, studio requirements, accommodation, funding and cultural-exchange possibilities.
• Your residency can begin with a conversation.
  
  

KIAR Cultural Exchange Residency

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India