Open call for applications for International Artists-in-Residence Program 2025
AIR INTRODUCTION
Bikalpa Art Foundation is a dedicated platform for nurturing young artistic talents from around the world. With a commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange, we provide a space for emerging artists to thrive. Bikalpa started in 2013 with a residency program and has hosted over 50 artists from 13 different countries. After a brief pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to resume our international residency program and excited to announce an open call for applications for our upcoming Artists in Residence Program 2025, which will take place at the newly established Bikalpa Art House in Chobhar, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
In this new iteration of the residency program, we offer two distinct opportunities:
- An annual fully funded, six-week program for emerging artists under 30, with a fixed application deadline
- A flexible, fee-based residency is open to all artists year-round
Through these programs, we aim to provide artists with a creative sanctuary to explore their artistic vision and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Nepal. Join us as we create a dynamic hub for artistic exploration and collaboration.
Brief Introduction of Bikalpa Art Foundation:
Bikalpa Art Foundation (BAF) is a non-profit organization, a dynamic and visionary platform dedicated to promoting and nurturing the arts. It bridges artists, art enthusiasts, and the wider community, fostering a rich tapestry of artistic expression and exchange. Through our initiatives, we aspire to catalyze change, driving innovation and social and cultural evolution. Our vision is to inspire individuals to explore, experiment, and engage with art in meaningful ways and we aim to empower artists to push their boundaries, challenge norms, and create lasting impacts on society.
After years of groundbreaking work under the name Bikalpa Art Center (BAC) a social enterprise, the Bikalpa Art Foundation (BAF) was established in 2022 as a non-profit organization. BAC was established in 2013 to promote independent artists and ventures in Kathmandu. The name, Bikalpa means providing an alternative common platform to people of one mind.
About the Residencies at BAF:
Our Artists in Residence Program was established in 2013 to support artists and creative thinkers of all genres and has hosted over 50 artists from 13 different countries. Our residency program was paused for a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic as we prepared a new residence space. We are now excited to resume our international residency program.
In this new iteration, we offer two distinct residency opportunities: an annual fully funded, six-week program for emerging artists under 30, with a fixed application deadline, and a flexible, fee-based residency open to all artists year-round. Through these programs, we aim to provide artists with a creative sanctuary to explore their artistic vision and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Nepal.
Annual Residency Program for Young Artists:
The Bikalpa Art Foundation’s Annual Residency Program offers a transformative experience for emerging artists under 30. This fully funded six-week intensive program provides a structured environment for artistic exploration, experimentation, and growth at the same time it also demands full dedication and commitment from the residents. This intensive program enables us to curate focused residencies, offering invaluable mentorship and opportunities. In return for this comprehensive support, residents are encouraged to contribute to the foundation, such as donating a piece of artwork to ensure the program's sustainability and inclusivity. We are committed to fostering a supportive community where young talents can thrive. Selected artists will be immersed in a dynamic program that includes mentorship, workshops, and opportunities for collaboration.
We seek committed individuals with a strong artistic vision and a clear understanding of their project goals. The rigorous selection process emphasizes the applicant's artistic vision, demonstrated skills, and a well-articulated project plan. Detailed information and other guidelines are provided on the page below
Deadline: November 27, 2024
Ongoing Flexible Residency for All:
The Bikalpa Art Foundation's Flexible Fee-Based Residency Program for All offers artists of all ages and experience levels the freedom to pursue their creative passions year-round. This program is designed to cater to a wider artist community, offering flexibility in programming and scheduling. While this model generates revenue to support the program, it also allows for a more relaxed and independent residency experience.
The residency fee covers accommodation, studio space, and program-related expenses, allowing them to focus on their artistic practices. This program provides a comfortable residence and dedicated studio space with less structured programming, residents enjoy greater freedom in their artistic journey, and opportunities for showcasing their works through open studios and exhibitions.
While we provide a supportive environment and resources, artists are responsible for their own food, personal supplies, art materials, transportation, and any additional expenses incurred during their stay. Residency spots are secured based on availability, so early booking is recommended. Detailed information and other guidelines are provided on the page below
Deadline: Ongoing
Residency Rationale:
Bikalpa Art Foundation's (BAF) artists-in-residence program is a cornerstone of our mission to nurture artistic talent and contribute to the vibrant arts ecosystem. By offering both fully funded residencies for emerging artists under 30 and flexible fee-based options for artists of all ages and backgrounds, BAF ensures a diverse and inclusive program that supports a wide range of artistic practices. This dual approach not only supports artistic growth but also contributes to the program's sustainability.
The fully-funded residencies provide a crucial platform for young artists to launch their careers, while the fee-based model expands access to a wider range of artists and generates revenue to support the program's operations and future initiatives. This approach aligns with BAF's broader vision of fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and community engagement. By operating both models, BAF strives to create a balanced and sustainable ecosystem that supports artists at various stages of their careers.
More Information and Guidelines about the Residency Program at BAF
We encourage you to read all the details of the residency program and guidelines before you submit your application.
Residence dates and durations:
The Annual Residency for Young Artists:
This residency program is fully funded designed and dedicated to supporting young artists has all fixed programs and dates as follows:
- Open Call for Application July- August 2024
- Application deadline: November 27, 2024
- Application review selection process time: December 1- 31, 2024
- Result Announce: 1st week of January 2025
- Residence Program: March 15, 2025 – April 22, 2025
- Open Studio/ Exhibition: April 25- April 30, 2025
The Ongoing Flexible Residency for All:
The fee-based residency is designed for a wider artists community, offering greater freedom in program and scheduling. It is flexible from a minimum of 2 weeks to a maximum of 3 months depending on the availability of the residence space. Each applicant will be communicated via email.
Projects we accept:
We expect applications from a wide range of projects and are open to proposals for all phases of the project from initial concept to full production. Artists already working on a project in any stage of production- ideation to conception, and those who wish to explore during their residency and work on a new project are also encouraged to apply.
Discipline & Eligibility:
Our residency programs are open but not limited to performance art, multimedia, film/ video, installation, sound, photography, experimental music, and any other forms of visual arts. We also welcome writers, and curators in our residency program.
We welcome great diversity in participation. However, the applicants for annual residency for young artists have to be under 30. Those who wish to participate in duos or groups, must apply separately and enclose a letter of request to work together during the residency.
What we offer:
The residents will be provided with the following facilities and services during their residency programs:
- Networking opportunities with the local artistic community of Nepal
- Basic internet connection
- Weekly cleaning and laundry service
- Simple private pantry for basic food and drink preparation
- Support in organizing workshop/ presentation, open studio/ exhibition
- Documentation and social media promotion
What we do not offer:
- Accident and Health Insurance
- Visas
- Air tickets
- Art supplies and other materials
- Daily food and transportation
- Mobile phone/SIM card
- Laptop/ computers
Expectations from the Residents:
This residency opportunity is your time and we encourage you to use it the best for your personal growth and the positive impact to the larger community. Don’t forget that your application for the residency being selected for the program means someone’s application is declined, therefore we want you to be fully committed and take advantage of the residency to the fullest.
Our expectations from artists are as follows:
- We expect selected residents to be committed to the program, follow the timelines, arrive before the residency starts, and depart after the completion of the residency clearing out space and all.
- Residents are required to prepare multiple presentations to their fellow residents and the local artistic community and open to the public
- Residents are encouraged to organize educational programs such as free workshops for local arts community/ public school or community members.
- Residents are required to prepare an open studio/ exhibition at the end of the residency program.
- Residents are encouraged to contribute to the foundation, such as donating a piece of artwork, to sustain future opportunities for emerging artists (optional for fee-based residents)
Residency Location:
The BAF’s residency programs take place at the newly established Bikalpa Art House located in Chobhar, within 30 minutes travel time from the center of Kathmandu, a scenic beautiful location with commanding views of both the majestic mountains and overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. It has fine air stunning topography and a major affinity with the Buddhist and Hindu religions from ancient times. It is the location at which the Buddhist celestial Bodhisattva Manjushri (meditational deity) discovered Kathmandu Valley, then a lake. Through Manjushri’s power (including cleaving a gorge at Chobhar, where there are also famous caves) the lake was drained, and in this distant time, the location for what in ages to come to the existence of Kathmandu Valley and its three cities; Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
30 to 45 minutes drive from the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Bikalpa Art House, Chobhar-6, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal. You may get public transportation, taxi, or a private vehicle from the airport directly. We normally send someone to pick the artists up from the airport.
Google map HERE
About The Bikalpa Art House
The Bikalpa Art House (BAH) is a distinctive multi-pronged creative hub that enhances the cultural and creative industry, tourism, and craftsmanship, thereby promoting the growth of the creative economy. It fosters strong connections with a global network of artistic communities and businesses. BAH primarily includes an art café, tiny houses for residencies, a hydroponics farmhouse, and a makers' space offering a variety of product design and production options.
The co-founders conceived the idea of BAH recognizing the need for a broader, more inclusive platform, more than just a cultural center; it's a living, breathing ecosystem that supports sustainable development in Nepal. Through its various components; hospitality, artists' residencies, makers' spaces, and educational programs, BAH empowers local communities, creates job opportunities, and promotes the rich artistic traditions of the Himalayan region. It is a place where the past and the future converge, where every brushstroke, every crafted piece, and every shared meal contributes to a larger narrative of social reform and cultural preservation.
Accommodation and Studio Space:
The residence accommodations are arranged at the Bikalpa Art House. Residents will be provided with a private suite tiny house that includes a separate washroom and a simple pantry for basic food and drink preparation.
Residents will also have access to a shared studio workshop and the maker’s studio. Our maker’s studio workshop is equipped with metal and woodworking tools and it will be available to the residents upon an advance booking and approval from the makers' studio workshop's manager.
Food & Transportation:
Our residency program does not cover any costs for food, drinks, or transportation; residents are responsible for managing these expenses independently. However, residents have the option to purchase their regular meals from the café at a reasonable price on a weekly basis if they choose to do so.
Residency Fees and Other Expenses:
Annual residency program for young artists:
Bikalpa Art Foundation covers all the major expenses for the annual residency program for young artists as follows:
- Accommodation
- Studio Space
- Access to Maker's Workshop
- Mentorship
- Assistant/ volunteer support for organizing workshops, presentations, and major events and activities
- Gallery rental and opening reception expenses for studio/ exhibition
*(Visa, Air tickets, transportation, health insurance, daily food, art supplies, and other materials are not supported by BAF and artists are responsible for them)
Fee-Bashed Flexible Residency Program for All:
- Accommodation:
- $ 300 (two weeks)
- $ 550 (a month)
- $1050 (two months)
- $1575 (three months)
- Assistant/ Volunteer ($10- $20 per day – if needed)
- Open studio/ Exhibition ($100- 300)
- Visa, Air tickets, transportation, health insurance, daily food, art supplies and other materials
May artist bring their partners?
Yes, there will be $ 12 per day additional cost for accommodation per person and they have to be responsible for all other expenses.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants may submit their respective applications (mention the residency you are applying for in the subject of your email) with the following documents at applybac@gmail.com
- Artist’s statement and motivation to participate in the residency program ( 200 words max)
- Recent artist’s portfolio of max 5 projects, 20 slides
- Website/ Social media links
- Short CV/ Biography (two pages max)
- A copy of a valid passport/ citizenship
- A headshot image (for social media/ website use purposes)
- A detailed project plan which should include project title & concept, medium & methods, drawings/ sketches, size & production timeline (optional for fee-based residency applicants)
Deadlines:
Annual Residency Program for Young Artists
Deadline: November 27, 2024
APPLY NOW with the subject “Application for Annual Residency for Young Artists” along with all required documents and the application form at applybac@gmail.com
Download the Application Form HERE
Fee-Based Flexible Residency for All
Deadline: Ongoing
APPLY NOW with the subject “Application for “Ongoing Flexible Residency for All” along with all required documents and the application form at applybac@gmail.com
Download the Application Form HERE
Online Portal Partners & Supporters!
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Curator Space, Art Rabbit, Art Jobs, Zealous, Trans Artists, and their dedicated teams for their invaluable support as an online portal partner for the Bikalpa International Artists in Residency Program. Their platform has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of our resident artists and showcasing their work to a global audience. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and collaboration.
