Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Residency for Indian Artists in South Africa

Deadline: 29-Jun-2026

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, in collaboration with the NIROX Foundation and the Centre for Indian Studies in Africa at the University of the Witwatersrand, is offering a fully supported residency in South Africa for Indian contemporary visual artists. The programme provides an opportunity for artists to engage in research, collaboration, cultural exchange, and community-oriented artistic practice within an international creative environment.

The six-to-seven-week residency covers travel, production costs, and accommodation, enabling artists to focus on artistic development, exhibitions, performances, studio visits, and interaction with local and international artists and institutions. The programme supports emerging and mid-career Indian visual artists across all disciplines.

What is the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Residency in South Africa?

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Residency is an international artist residency programme designed to support Indian contemporary visual artists through artistic exchange, collaboration, and research opportunities in South Africa.

The programme is jointly facilitated by:

• The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.
• NIROX Foundation.
• Centre for Indian Studies in Africa at the University of the Witwatersrand.

The residency provides artists with access to collaborative creative spaces, cultural institutions, artistic networks, and community engagement opportunities while encouraging experimentation and artistic growth.

Programme Objectives

The residency aims to:

• Support artistic research and experimentation.
• Encourage cross-cultural artistic collaboration.
• Strengthen engagement with local artists and communities.
• Promote artistic exchange between India and South Africa.
• Support professional and creative development.
• Encourage participation in exhibitions and performances.
• Foster community-oriented artistic practices.

Key Focus Areas

The residency supports several artistic and collaborative priorities.

Main focus areas include:

• Contemporary visual arts practice.
• Artistic research and experimentation.
• Community-oriented artistic exchange.
• Cross-cultural collaboration.
• Interaction with artists and institutions.
• Exhibitions and performances.
• Studio visits and artistic networking.
• Media production including podcasts and film work.
• Educational and cultural engagement activities.

The programme encourages artists to expand their practice through collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences.

Collaborative and Community Engagement Activities

Artists participating in the residency may engage in:

• Collaborative projects with local and visiting artists.
• Community-based artistic activities.
• Cultural and educational institution visits.
• Studio exchanges and creative dialogue.
• Public exhibitions and performances.
• Interviews and media engagement activities.

The residency also promotes interaction with:

• The Columba Leadership Academy.
• Resident and visiting artists in shared creative environments.

The programme emphasizes artistic exchange and community participation.

Residency Partners

The residency is jointly organized through collaboration between:

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.
• NIROX Foundation.
• Centre for Indian Studies in Africa at the University of the Witwatersrand.

These institutions collectively support artistic development, international exchange, and interdisciplinary cultural engagement.

Residency Duration

The residency lasts:

• Six to seven weeks.

This period allows artists to:

• Conduct research.
• Develop creative projects.
• Participate in collaborative activities.
• Engage with local artistic and community environments.

The programme supports immersive artistic exploration and professional development.

Financial Support

The residency provides:

• Fully supported participation.

Covered expenses include:

• Travel costs.
• Production expenses.
• Living accommodation.

The financial support enables artists to focus fully on:

• Artistic production.
• Research activities.
• Creative experimentation.
• Collaborative engagement.

The programme reduces financial barriers to international artistic exchange.

Who Can Apply?

The residency is open to:

• Indian contemporary visual artists.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be Indian citizens.
• Currently reside in India.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Born on or after 1 January 1991.

The programme primarily supports:

• Emerging artists.
• Mid-career artists.

Eligible Artistic Disciplines

Artists working across:

• Any contemporary visual art discipline

are eligible to apply.

This may include:

• Painting.
• Sculpture.
• Installation art.
• Photography.
• Mixed media.
• Digital and experimental practices.
• Interdisciplinary visual arts.

The programme encourages diverse contemporary artistic approaches.

Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Proficiency in English.

English language skills are necessary for:

• Collaborative projects.
• Community engagement activities.
• Institutional interaction.
• Communication with local and international participants.

Ineligible Applicants

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Previously received a grant from the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation for an overseas project.

This restriction helps ensure opportunities are extended to new participants.

Why This Residency Matters

The residency provides important opportunities for artistic growth, international collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Key benefits include:

• Access to international artistic networks.
• Collaborative engagement with diverse communities.
• Professional artistic development.
• Cross-cultural research and exchange opportunities.
• Exposure to South African artistic and cultural contexts.
• Participation in exhibitions and creative activities.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary experimentation.

The programme strengthens global artistic dialogue between India and South Africa.

Expected Outcomes

The residency is expected to support:

• Development of new artistic work.
• Cross-cultural collaboration and exchange.
• Expanded professional artistic networks.
• Community-based creative engagement.
• Artistic experimentation and research.
• Increased international exposure for Indian artists.
• Long-term artistic and professional growth.

The programme aims to create meaningful cultural and creative exchange experiences.

Activities During the Residency

Participants may engage in:

• Artistic research projects.
• Collaborative studio practice.
• Community workshops and exchanges.
• Exhibitions and presentations.
• Performance-based activities.
• Media production including podcasts and film work.
• Interaction with visiting artists and institutions.

The residency encourages immersive participation and creative experimentation.

Assessment and Selection Criteria

Applications are likely to be assessed based on:

• Artistic quality and originality.
• Strength of creative practice.
• Potential for collaborative engagement.
• Relevance of artistic research interests.
• Commitment to professional artistic development.
• Ability to contribute to community-oriented exchange.
• Suitability for the residency environment.

Strong applications should demonstrate both artistic excellence and openness to collaboration.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their applications by focusing on the following areas:

• Clearly explain artistic practice and research interests.
• Demonstrate openness to collaboration and experimentation.
• Highlight community engagement or interdisciplinary experience.
• Present a strong portfolio of recent work.
• Explain how the residency supports artistic growth.
• Show interest in cross-cultural exchange and dialogue.
• Present clear and thoughtful artistic goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following issues:

• Weak or incomplete portfolios.
• Limited explanation of artistic practice.
• Lack of clarity about residency goals.
• Failure to demonstrate collaborative interest.
• Incomplete eligibility documentation.
• Applying despite prior overseas funding from the foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Residency?

It is a fully supported residency programme in South Africa for Indian contemporary visual artists.

Who organizes the residency?

The programme is organized by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation in collaboration with the NIROX Foundation and the Centre for Indian Studies in Africa at the University of the Witwatersrand.

How long is the residency?

The residency duration is six to seven weeks.

What expenses are covered?

The programme covers travel costs, production expenses, and accommodation.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are Indian citizens residing in India who are emerging or mid-career contemporary visual artists.

What artistic disciplines are eligible?

Artists working across any contemporary visual arts discipline may apply.

Can previous Inlaks overseas grant recipients apply?

No. Applicants who previously received an Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation overseas project grant are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Residency in South Africa offers a valuable international opportunity for Indian contemporary visual artists to expand their artistic practice through research, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Through partnerships with the NIROX Foundation and the University of the Witwatersrand, the programme supports immersive creative engagement within South Africa’s artistic and community landscapes.

By covering travel, accommodation, and production costs, the residency enables artists to focus fully on experimentation, professional growth, and cross-cultural artistic dialogue. Emerging and mid-career Indian artists interested in collaborative and community-oriented creative practice are encouraged to apply for this unique residency opportunity.

For more information, visit The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.