Free Artist Residencies in India

1 Shanthiroad

Bangalore, India

1Shanthiroad Studio/Gallery in Bengaluru, India, founded in 2002 by Suresh Jayaram, is an artist residency and gallery space that nurtures creativity and cutting-edge art practices through programs hosting artists from diverse countries and backgrounds.[1][2] It offers residencies like the annual NEXT-STEP program for five emerging artists, providing a platform for experimentation, collaboration, and community engagement over four weeks.[2][4] Administered by the Visual Art Collective (VAC) Trust, it includes studio access, mentorship, workshops, and exhibitions.[1][7]

Centre d’Art

Auroville, India

Centre d’Art, located in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India, offers an inspiring two-month artist residency program each year. The residency provides artists with the opportunity to focus on their creative work while immersing themselves in Auroville’s serene environment, vibrant community, and natural beauty. Participants receive accommodation, lunch at a community kitchen, access to an e-bike, and curatorial support while being encouraged to bring their own art supplies. Collaborative projects and public engagement are highly valued, and the program culminates in an exhibition showcasing the resident artist’s work and experience. As a cultural hub, Centre d’Art also hosts exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities, contributing to Auroville’s ethos of unity and creative expression. This residency is ideal for artists seeking inspiration from nature, meaningful connections, and the unique lifestyle of Auroville.

Khoj International Artists Association

New Delhi, India

Khoj International Artists’ Association, founded in 1997 in New Delhi, India, is a not-for-profit organization that incubates experimental, interdisciplinary, and critical contemporary art practices through residencies, exhibitions, and community projects. It offers various residency programs like the annual four-week Peers Residency for recent art graduates, international exchanges typically lasting 4-6 weeks, and specialized residencies focusing on themes such as urban density, mental health, and expanded craft. Khoj provides studio spaces, curatorial support, networking opportunities, and public events to foster artistic growth and cross-cultural dialogue.

Shakti Design Residency

New Delhi, India

The Shakti Design Residency in India is an annual program supporting international design talent through a four-week immersive experience in New Delhi and Jaipur. The residency is open to creatives from any medium and discipline, providing participants with the opportunity to collaborate with local artisans and gain mentorship from world-leading design experts. Residents will create sustainable and innovative pieces inspired by Indian craftsmanship and culture. The program offers free flights, accommodation, and an honorarium of $1,500 for meals and expenses. Participants will stay at Shalini Misra’s farmhouse in New Delhi, which serves as the hub for this unique residency. The residency is organized in partnership with Curio and Basic.Space, aiming to foster creative growth and cultural exchange.

Vice~Versa Foundation

Goa, India

The Vice~Versa Foundation Artist-in-Residence Fellowship Program in Goa, India, offers a unique opportunity for visual artists, curators, and writers to immerse themselves in creative work within the serene and culturally rich environment of Goan Heritage Houses. This program is designed for both emerging and established professionals from around the world, providing a space for innovation, reflection, and the development of a significant body of work. Residents are accommodated in private suites within Indo-Portuguese heritage homes, equipped with modern amenities and surrounded by the historical and artistic richness of Goa. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, studio space, and access to a library, kitchen, and laundry facilities, promoting a self-sufficient and contemplative creative process. The program emphasizes the care of the residency spaces and the engagement with the local cultural tapestry. With options for four or eight-week residencies, the program supports artists in their professional growth while encouraging the exploration of Goa's unique cultural and artistic landscape.