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Event History

Odisha is not simply a place where traditional textiles are preserved. IT IS A PLACE WHERE TEXTILE KNOWLEDGE IS STILL ALIVE. Generations of weavers, artisans and indigenous communities continue to work with: WEAVING • NATURAL DYES • SILK • COTTON • IKAT • FIBRES • MOTIFS • EMBROIDERY • APPLIQUÉ • COLOUR • PATTERN • CLOTHING • MATERIAL CULTURE • PATTA CHITRA The state recognises 64 handicraft categories, reflecting the extraordinary diversity of Odisha's traditional craft knowledge. For a contemporary textile or fashion designer, this creates a rare opportunity: TO STUDY TEXTILE AS A LIVING CULTURE — NOT JUST AS AN ARCHIVE. DISCOVER ODISHA'S TEXTILE TRADITIONS

What Makes this event different?

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. THIS IS MORE THAN A STUDIO RESIDENCY. KIAR gives you an opportunity to experience Odisha through: CULTURAL IMMERSION Explore Bhubaneswar and the surrounding cultural landscape. TEXTILE & CRAFT RESEARCH Visit relevant textile, craft and cultural locations according to your project. ARTISAN INTERACTION Explore opportunities to meet local artisans and weavers. MUSEUM & HERITAGE VISITS Discover Odisha's art, craft, tribal and cultural collections. STUDIO PRACTICE Use KIAR's creative environment to develop your work. CREATIVE EXCHANGE : Interact with Indian and international artists and creative practitioners. DOCUMENTATION : Build a visual and research record of your Odisha experience. PRESENTATION : Residents staying longer may have opportunities for an open studio, presentation or exhibition, subject to programme planning and availability. KIAR's existing programme includes studio access, cultural guidance, museum visits, local logistical support and exhibition opportunities for eligible longer-stay residents.

RESIDENCY DURATION & FEES

 

CHOOSE THE TIME YOU NEED TO CREATE [ EVERY Extra day costs 45 $USD per person ]

15 DAYS : USD $850 / person

Ideal for:

Initial research

Cultural immersion

Textile exploration

Short creative projects

Designers wanting an introduction to Odisha
 

30 DAYS :USD $1,500 / person [ MOST RECOMMENDED ] [ EVERY Extra day costs 45 $USD per person ]

Ideal for:

In-depth textile research

Artisan interaction

Material experimentation

Fashion research

Developing a new collection or project

Building meaningful local connections
 

UP TO 3 MONTHS : USD $4,000 / person 
FOR DEEP RESEARCH & COLLABORATION [ EVERY Extra day costs 40 $USD person ]

Ideal for:

Extensive textile research

Long-term material experimentation

Fashion collection development

Artisan collaboration

Research-based projects

Documentation

Contemporary textile projects

TRANSPORT & TRANSLATION

 

Transportation for outstation textile/craft visits and translation assistance with local weavers or artisans are additional and are not included in the residency fee.

 

Costs depend on the location, duration, group size and project requirements and will be discussed on video conference  before the visit.

  What RESIDENCY FEE INCLUDES

 

• Airport pickup
• Accommodation at KIAR
• Studio/work space
• Wi-Fi
• Open kitchen access [ BREAKFAST + LUNCH ]
• Basic local support
• Cultural guidance
• Selected cultural/museum experiences
• Support in planning local research

• Opportunities for presentation/open studio / exhibition [ only for artists applying for 30 days or above ]

• Interaction with the KIAR creative community
• Residency certificate

 

KIAR's general residency programme currently lists accommodation, studio access, airport pickup, Wi-Fi, cultural guidance and selected cultural experiences among its facilities. Specific inclusions should be confirmed for the Textile India programme before booking.

 

NOT INCLUDED

The following are generally the resident's responsibility:

 

• International airfare & travel and medical insurance
• Visa fees
• Personal expenses
• Art/textile materials
• Outstation travel
• Project-specific transportation
• Translation costs with local artisans/weavers
• Special workshops or production costs
• Personal shopping
• Meals outside the included programme

• Documentation/social media visibility where appropriate  

A detailed cost estimate can be prepared for specific textile research or collaboration projects.

 

  WHO CAN APPLY?

 

The Textile India Residency welcomes:

TEXTILE DESIGNERS
FASHION DESIGNERS
TEXTILE ARTISTS
FIBRE ARTISTS
SURFACE DESIGNERS
WEAVING ARTISTS
COSTUME DESIGNERS
SUSTAINABLE FASHION DESIGNERS
MATERIAL RESEARCHERS
CRAFT RESEARCHERS
FASHION STUDENTS
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WORKING WITH TEXTILES
DESIGNERS & CREATIVE PRACTITIONERS

Both emerging and established practitioners are encouraged to apply.
DO I NEED A COMPLETELY DEVELOPED PROJECT?    Ans : NO 
You can arrive with:

• A QUESTION.
• AN IDEA.
• A MATERIAL.
• A RESEARCH INTEREST.
• A COLLECTION CONCEPT.
• OR SIMPLY CURIOSITY.
• A fully developed project is not essential.
• What matters is your willingness to observe, research, engage and create.
  Note : We do not entertain  xenophobic, hindufobic, racist, colonialist, ethnocentric, ableist, sexist, misogynistic/misandrist or homophobic language or mindset.