Organizer Information

Founded as an independent, artist-run organization, Kalanirvana International Art Residency (KIAR) is one of India's premier international art residency hubs. Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha—the historic ancient temple city of Eastern India—KIAR offers creative residencies spanning visual, performance, and literary arts. Curated by multidisciplinary artist and curator Ashis Pahi, the residency connects international and national creators with local heritage, regional literary institutions, and living Indian cultural traditions.

Title & Description

WRITER’S INDIA Residency by KIAR: Call for Applications

Kalanirvana International Art Residency (KIAR) has announced the open call for its specialized literary initiative, the WRITER’S INDIA Residency. Set in the cultural capital of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the program provides emerging and established writers with dedicated time and space to work on manuscripts, poetry, research, or translations in a distraction-free setting. Beyond focused creative time, resident writers engage with regional literary figures, participate in readings and panel discussions, and have the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) held annually in January.

Categories

The residency welcomes all literary genres and forms, including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Spoken Word, Playwriting, Screenwriting, Essay/Criticism, Literary Translation, and Research-Based Writing (in any Indian language or English).

Eligibility

  • Geographic Scope: Open unconditionally to writers of any nationality worldwide, as well as Indian writers.
  • Career Stages: Open to both emerging writers (seeking mentorship, quiet time, and exposure) and established authors (seeking cultural depth, research context, and new focus).
  • Format Options: Individual writers, writing partners, couples, or small groups/collectives may apply together.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Creative Environment & Infrastructure: Private or shared accommodations, quiet writing spaces, shared art studio areas, library access, open terrace, and garden space.
  • Literary Network & Festival Integration: Direct engagement with eminent local and national authors, editors, and literary scholars through one-on-one dialogues, panel discussions, and readings. Selected residents staying during January may be integrated into the Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF).
  • Amenities & Services: High-speed Wi-Fi, common self-cooking kitchen, common washing machine/refrigerator, rooftop view-zone, weekend art film screenings, and a 50% discount on local bicycle rentals.
  • Local Excursions: Proximity to major cultural landmarks, including the Odia Language Research University, local book fairs, Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves, and ancient temple sites.

Application Fee & Residency Costs

The residency is a self-funded retreat with weekly participation fees:

  • Single Occupancy Fee:$250 USD per person per week
  • Double Sharing / Couple Fee:$200 USD per person per week
  • Stay Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, maximum 4 to 6 weeks.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a requirement to apply at least 30 days prior to your intended start date.

Key Dates

  • Annual Application Window: Open year-round; applications must be submitted minimum 30 days prior to joining.
  • Annual Residency Operating Windows:
    • Winter Block 1: November 5 – December 31
    • Winter Block 2: January 5 – March 31 (includes Kalinga Literary Festival in January)

Location

The physical residency, writing rooms, and literary gatherings take place live in Eastern India at:

  • Kalanirvana International Art Residency (KIAR), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Additional Details

For additional logistical or program inquiries, applicants can contact the residency coordination team directly at mail.kalanirvana@gmail.com.

Website Link: https://kalanirvana.com/writers-india-residency/