Organizer Information
Founded in 2010 (active since 2011) in Hyderabad and relocated to Bhubaneswar, Odisha in 2016, Kalanirvana International Art Residency (KIAR) is one of India's oldest independent, artist-run residency programs. Curated and directed by internationally recognized multidisciplinary artist and curator Ashis Pahi, KIAR offers cultural immersion designed around living among local Indian families and engaging with heritage traditions. With a core presence in Odisha and satellite extensions across Hyderabad, Dehradun, and Gujarat, KIAR has hosted over 400 artists from more than 50 countries.
Title & Description
KIAR – Kalanirvana International Art Residency: Call for Applications
KIAR invites multidisciplinary creators globally to apply for its seasonal residency blocks running between September and March. Hosted in the ancient temple city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the program provides studio space alongside living experiences with local families. Designed to foster deep cross-cultural dialogue, creative expansion, and community connections, the residency supports stays ranging from 2 weeks up to 6 months. Residents gain access to shared art studios, performance rehearsal areas, tailored cultural activities (including traditional Pattachitra and tribal art workshops, festival participation, and historical visits), and curated exhibition opportunities for stays over 25 days.
Categories
The residency supports a broad range of creative disciplines:
- Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Mixed Media)
- Digital & New Media
- Textile & Fashion Design
- Writing & Poetry
- Performance & Installation
- Filmmaking
- Photography
- Sound Art
- Art historians and curators
Eligibility
- Geographic Scope: Open unconditionally to national and international applicants from around the world.
- Experience Level: Open to both emerging creators exploring new directions and established practitioners deepening research.
- Cohort Capacity: Hosts between 6 and 10 resident artists at a time.
- Languages: Operating languages are English and Hindi.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Living & Studio Infrastructure: Accommodations (private rooms, twin-sharing rooms, private cabins, or seasonal rooftop tents) and shared 24/7 studio spaces (painting/drawing areas, dance/performance rehearsal spaces, woodworking tools, art library, high-speed Wi-Fi).
- Covered Expenses (By KIAR): Complimentary airport pickup, accommodation, studio facilities, local logistics for scheduled cultural tours, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and one daily Indian meal (optional).
- Cultural Immersion: Tailored workshops (Pattachitra, Tribal art), festival participation (Holi, Diwali, Rath Yatra), yoga/meditation sessions, museum tours, and interactive community projects.
- Visibility & Exhibition: Open studio events, publication in residency catalogs, social media features, partner archiving on ARTHUBin.com, and curated group/solo exhibitions (for artists staying 25 days or longer).
- Grant Assistance: Official letters of invitation/acceptance provided to assist accepted artists in securing external funding in their home countries.
Application Fee & Residency Costs
KIAR operates as an independent, artist-run initiative requiring self-funding, though semi-sponsored slots (30%–50% fee discounts) are available based on selection and availability.
Residency Pricing Structure (Per Person):
| Duration | Single Occupancy | Twin Sharing Occupancy |
| 15 Days | $850 USD or ₹72,250 | $750 USD or ₹63,750 |
| 30 Days | $1,500 USD or ₹127,500 | $1,200 USD or ₹102,000 |
| 2 Months | $2,600 USD or ₹221,000 | $2,200 USD or ₹187,050 |
| 3 Months | $3,800 USD or ₹323,000 | $2,800 USD or ₹238,000 |
| 4 Months | $4,800 USD or ₹408,000 | $3,200 USD or ₹2,72,200 |
(Note: Custom group rates are available for delegations of 3 to 8 persons. All payments are billed in USD or INR, whichever is higher). Expenses covered by the artist include round-trip international travel, personal art supplies, visa fees, and external meals.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can register and submit their proposals directly through the KIAR administration portal or via direct contact with the curatorial team [ mail.kalanirvana@gmail.com ]
- Official Web Platform: Kalanirvana Art Residency Portal
Key Dates
- Operational Residency Window: September through March annually
- Stay Durations: Flexible blocks ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months
Location
The main residency facility is located in Eastern India:
KIAR – Kalanirvana International Art Residency, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India