The Writers India Residency at KIAR, Bhubaneswar is a unique literary program designed for writers from any national, seeking creative focus, cultural immersion, and professional exposure. Hosted by one of India’s oldest international art residencies, KIAR offers writers dedicated time and space to develop their work while engaging with India’s vibrant literary ecosystem.
Key highlights include interaction with eminent local writers, participation in curated literary meets, readings, and discussions, and the opportunity to be part of the prestigious Kalinga Literary Festival (January). Writers from all genres—fiction, poetry, non-fiction, translation, and research—are welcome.
Applications are open every year from January to March. The residency supports both emerging and established writers looking to deepen their practice, expand networks, and connect literature with lived Indian culture.
duration, facility & fee
How to Apply
Application Period: Apply Every year BEFORE December 10th, 11pm.
Application Process:
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Submit a completed application form
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Provide a short writing portfolio (published or unpublished)
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Share a statement of purpose explaining:
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Your writing practice
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Current project or intention during the residency
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How this residency aligns with your literary journey
Please send your details with subject name : 'Writer;s India Residency' to :
mail.kalanirvana@gmail.com
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further discussion.
Selection Criteria
Selections are based on:
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Quality and originality of writing
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Commitment to literary practice
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Clarity of intent
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Willingness to engage with the residency’s cultural and literary framework
Both emerging and experienced writers are welcome.
DURATION
Duration is minimum 2 weeks and Maximum 6 weeks between the following dates each year :
JAN 08-JAN 31
FEB 06 - MAR 31
Fee :
The fee is 250$ per week per person which includes : [ Min Duration 2 weeks and Max 6 weeks ]
Couple and group application is also accepted. Double Sharing fee is 200$ per person per week.
Accomodation with work place, open kitchen, common living space, free wifi, free access to washing machine, open terrace, garden area, art gallery and book reading facility with limited book collections. 50% discount on Bicycle facility on availability.
ACCOMODATION
Kalanirvana provides a comfortable, artist-friendly stay designed to support focused writing and creative exchange. The residency offers three well-maintained rooms, available for single or double sharing based on availability. Residents have access to an open kitchen, a peaceful rooftop space, and a vibrant common area integrated with an art gallery, encouraging interaction, readings, and informal discussions.
Located in Bhubaneswar, the cultural capital of Odisha, writers can explore nearby literary and heritage landmarks such as Odia Language Research University, Book Fair, Odia Literature Fest, Rabindra Mandap, Ancient Temples dates back to 5th-12th century, 2400 years old Udayagiri–Khandagiri caves , Odisha Tribal Museum, Craft Museum, Ekamra Kanana, world heritage sun tample at Konark, River bank of Mahanadi and Kathajodi and the historic spiritual beach city of Puri. The city’s calm pace, rich history, and cultural depth make it an ideal environment for writing, reflection, and exploration.
The Writers India Residency at KIAR is not just a place to write—it is a place to belong, dialogue, and evolve as a writer within India’s vibrant literary landscape. If you are a established writer seeking new inspiration, experience, time, engagement and cultural depth, KIAR invites you to write your next chapter with us.
If you are a emerging writer seeking time, mentorship, exposure, and cultural depth, KIAR invites you to write your next chapter with us.
Dedicated Writing Time & Space
KIAR provides a calm, culturally rich environment that supports focused writing.
Writers receive:
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Comfortable accommodation
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Quiet writing spaces
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A distraction-free atmosphere conducive to deep creative work
Resident writers are free to work on:
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Manuscripts
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Poetry collections
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Novels
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Research-based writing
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Translation projects
Who Can Apply?
The residency is open to:
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Fiction and non-fiction writers
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Poets and spoken word artists
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Playwrights and screenwriters
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Essayists, critics, translators, and literary researchers
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Emerging as well as established Indian writers
Applicants may write in any Indian or English language. Multilingual and experimental writing practices are especially encouraged.
Key Features of the Residency
1. Interaction with Eminent Writers
Residents will have the opportunity to interact with renowned local and national writers, poets, editors, and literary thinkers. These interactions may include:
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One-on-one conversations
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Group discussions
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Informal critiques and literary exchanges
This exposure helps residents gain insights into contemporary literary practices and publishing realities.
2. Participation in Literary Meets
Residents are encouraged to participate in:
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Literary readings
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Panel discussions
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Open literary dialogues
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Curated writing sessions
These platforms allow writers to share their work, receive feedback, and build long-term literary networks.
3. Kalinga Literary Festival (January)
Selected residents may be invited to be part of the Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF), one of India’s most prestigious literary festivals held every January.
At KLF, residents may:
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Attend major literary sessions
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Interact with nationally and internationally acclaimed authors
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Participate in readings, discussions, or collaborative events
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Experience the professional literary ecosystem at a national level
This exposure is a major advantage for writers seeking visibility and engagement beyond the page.
4. Cultural & Local Engagement
The residency encourages writers to engage with:
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Local culture and traditions
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Regional literature and storytelling practices
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Community interactions and lived narratives
This helps writers ground their work in authentic Indian socio-cultural contexts.