Open Call for Kathmandu International AiR (KIAR 2022)

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Kathmandu International Artists in Residency (KIAR)
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Kathmandu International Artists in Residency (KIAR)

Open Call for Kathmandu International AiR (KIAR 2022)

Space A is inviting applicants for residencies that could be chosen as either one or two months-long.

Space A is Kathmandu (Nepal) based non-governmental autonomous, non-political, no- profitable, and the artist initiative with the goal of establishing a stable platform for critical analysis, reflections, open discussions, information exchange, collaboration, and interactive communication. It aims at contributing to interdisciplinary contemporary art practices by setting up researches, discursive events, exhibitions, educational, and residency programs.

Kathmandu International Artist-in-Residence program (KIAR) is an initiative of Space A, a significant hub in the field of contemporary art both locally and internationally. The goal of the KIAR is to create an intellectual space where the residents will get the chance to penetrate the local cultural and socio-political contexts, as well as to combine their artistic practices (research, production, etc.) with meetings, lectures, and other discursive events with local and international artists, cultural experts, critics, and curators.

Location

Nepal’s cultural landscape is every bit as diverse as its physical one. The spectacular Himalayas comprise the highest mountains on earth and boast a surreal landscape of snow-covered peaks sure to leave a powerful impression. The Himalayan country of Nepal, situated between India and China, offers some of the best access to these mountain peaks, where landscapes vary from subtropical valleys (complete with banana trees) to alpine forests (home to grazing yaks).

Customs and traditions differ from one part of Nepal to another. A conglomeration lies in the capital city, Kathmandu, where cultures are blending to form a national identity. Kathmandu Valley has served as the country’s cultural metropolis since the unification of Nepal in the 18th Century. A prominent factor in Nepali’s everyday life is religion. Adding color to the lives of Nepalese are festivals the year round which they celebrate with much pomp and joy. Food plays an important role in the celebration of these festivals.

Capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse historic city with breathtaking Newari architecture, centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist religious sites. Stepping into Kathmandu is like stepping into another world that everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime. Kathmandu is a result of diverse cultures and lifestyles, a long history of faith and beliefs, and of arts and architecture. Therefore, more than just a city, Kathmandu is a living museum.

KIAR is an opportunity to travel back in time and to relive in history as well as experience natural beauty. This year, Space A is organizing a one-month-long residency (30 days) and two-months-long residency (60 days). There will be four residency programs. Each time max. 2 applicants will be selected.

1st period: March / April

2nd period: May / June

3rd period: July / August

4th period: September / October / November

The applications are open for a broad range of disciplines: visual arts, painting, sculpture, ceramics, print-making, performing arts, music, literature, new media, curation, film-making, theater, architecture, art criticism, and research.

(* If participants are interested, KIAR will arrange 7 days of trekking during the residency program. But participants will be responsible for all expenses for Trekking. This year the selected paths are Langtang valley to Kyanjin Gompa trek and Annapurna Base Camp – ABC trek.)

KIAR provides

  • Internet Connection
  • A private room during the residency
  • Shared working space during the residency.
  • Access to shared spaces (kitchen, toilets, bathrooms).
  • Laundry (once a week)
  • Possibility to organize workshop/debate in the residency
  • Promotion through social media
  • Human and technical resources
  • Connections with the local cultural scene

By the end of the residency, artists expected to come up with a final product, such as a presentation, a workshop for children or college students (optional), or exhibition/open studio/research presentation.

Artists are expected to cover costs like the residency fee, travel expenses, mateiral supplies, daily expenses, food, volunteer fee (if needed), health insurance, trekking, etc. are expected to be covered by the residents. Meanwhile, the host will cover the expenses of studio visits, presentation sessions, critic sessions, workshop with kids/ adults as well as final curatorial exhibition (gallery, invitation, posters: condition apply), rent of the room and the studio, utility expenses of electricity, water, and cooking gas.

Residency Fees

$ 650,- (one month / 30 days)
$ 1200,- (two months / 60 days)

$ 450,- (Promotional residency fee only for South Asian / one month / 30 days)

Companions allowed

  • Partner (1 person @ $5 per day in advance confirmation)

Application

Digital Application ([email protected])

  • This file must contain:
    • Artist statement
    • Recent work (webpage)
    • CV/ Biography
  • Project plan – about 200 words
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Application form (see below)

Following the selection process, applicants will be notified immediately via e-mail. The deadline for the current application period is 15 July 2021.

Please check their website for further information or contact [email protected]

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