Open Call: Residency for Artists Based in India

Deadline: 13-Apr-2026

The Delfina Foundation invites contemporary visual artists from India to apply for its Winter 2027 residency in London. Running from 5 January to 28 March 2027, the programme offers professional development, studio time, cultural engagement, and financial support, including living and materials allowances, travel, and accommodation.

About the Residency

The Delfina Foundation residency provides Indian artists with the opportunity to pursue independent or thematic research in a structured, collaborative environment. The Winter 2027 season focuses on open research, allowing residents to explore ideas freely while engaging with international art communities and networks.

Residency Activities

Participants benefit from:

• Time and space for creative development and experimentation

• Professional and cultural engagement, including guided visits to museums, galleries, non-profit organisations, artist-run spaces, and studios

• Opportunities to meet artists, curators, academics, and researchers through presentations, studio visits, events, and shared meals

• Professional development including portfolio reviews, mentoring, presentations, and critique sessions

• Informal gatherings to encourage collaborative exchange among residents

• Trips to art institutions outside London for broader exposure

Financial and Logistical Support

Selected residents receive:

• Return economy-class flight and airport transfers in the UK

• Reimbursement of visa fees if required

• Living allowance: £40 per day during the residency

• Materials budget: £1,200 to support artistic work

• Public transport pass for London

• Accommodation in a single bedroom with desk at the Delfina Foundation house, including shared bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, library, and dining facilities

• The residency runs for 12 weeks and hosts up to eight residents at a time

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be Indian nationals domiciled in India

• Be under the age of 40

• Have not received a CWIT grant or previous INLAKS overseas opportunity in the last five years

• Demonstrate proficiency in English for interviews and presentations

• Clearly articulate how the residency will benefit both their artistic practice and local networks

Why the Residency Matters

The Delfina Foundation residency helps artists:

• Expand international artistic networks

• Access professional development opportunities to strengthen practice

• Engage in cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning

• Gain financial and logistical support to focus fully on research and creation

How to Apply

1. Prepare a portfolio and proposal demonstrating your artistic research interests and intended outcomes for the residency

2. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements, including age, nationality, and previous grant history

3. Submit the application online by Sunday, 5 April 2026, 23:59 BST

4. Wait for notification of results, which will be communicated by early May 2026

5. Prepare for potential interviews conducted in English

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly explain how the residency will advance your artistic practice and benefit your local community or networks

• Highlight previous experience, exhibitions, and professional achievements

• Ensure your proposal reflects independent research or thematic inquiry suitable for the Winter 2027 open research season

• Prepare for interviews by articulating your ideas confidently in English

FAQs

1. Who can apply? Contemporary visual artists under 40, domiciled in India, who have not received a CWIT grant or INLAKS overseas opportunity in the last five years.

2. What is the duration of the residency? 12 weeks, from 5 January to 28 March 2027.

3. What support is provided? Travel, visa reimbursement, living allowance (£40/day), materials budget (£1,200), accommodation, and a London transport pass.

4. What activities are included? Studio work, professional development, guided visits, collaborative events, and cultural excursions.

5. Is English proficiency required? Yes, interviews and presentations are conducted in English.

6. How many residents are accepted? Up to eight residents per winter season.

7. When is the application deadline? Sunday, 5 April 2026 at 23:59 BST.

Conclusion

The Delfina Foundation Winter 2027 residency offers Indian contemporary visual artists a unique opportunity to develop their practice in an international setting. With structured professional development, cultural engagement, financial support, and networking opportunities, the programme empowers artists to pursue innovative research while building connections that benefit both their personal practice and local artistic communities.

For more information, visit Delfina Foundation.