Villa Swagatam’s Residency
A landmark initiative in the field of international cultural exchange, Villa Swagatam has announced the launch of its third call for applications for residencies across India, France, Bangladesh, and newly included Sri Lanka. Spearheaded by the French Institute in India and the French Embassy in India, the programme stands at the forefront of strengthening creative and intellectual collaboration between France and South Asia.
Marking a significant milestone in the 25th anniversary year of the strategic partnership between India and France, the initiative continues to shape a dynamic platform for artists, writers, and translators, embracing diversity, dialogue, and sustainability through arts and literature.
A Vision Rooted in Cultural Diplomacy and Creative Reciprocity
Launched in March 2023 during the visit of French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, Villa Swagatam was a flagship cultural initiative tied to the long-standing India–France strategic roadmap. Over the past two years, the programme has supported nearly 50 residents, facilitating enriching experiences in environments that spark creativity and cross-cultural understanding.
Courtesy – French Institute in India
“Villa Swagatam reflects a shared desire to strengthen human exchange between our countries in a meaningful and sustained manner. The French Embassy in India acts as a catalyst to foster the emergence of new creative dialogues and to deepen mutual appreciation of our respective cultures,” said H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.
What’s New in 2025: A Residency for Translators and Expansion to Sri Lanka
The 2025 edition of the programme introduces two major expansions:
- Residency for Translators – A first for the programme, the translation track recognizes the pivotal role of translators in building literary bridges and making cultures accessible to broader audiences.
- Inclusion of Sri Lanka – Adding to its South Asian network, Villa Swagatam has brought Sri Lanka into the fold, reinforcing regional representation and cultural diversity.
Themes and Focus: Literature and Arts & Crafts
The residency programme is centred around two thematic areas that have traditionally connected South Asia and France: literature and arts and crafts.
Courtesy – Samuel Adams
Literature Residencies Include:
- Alice Boner Institute (Varanasi)
- Eklavya Foundation (Bhopal) – children’s literature
- Himalayan Writing Residency (Sathkol)
- Sangam House (Bangalore)
- Rachna Books (Gangtok) – literature and graphic novels
- Vagamon Writers Residency (Vagamon)
- Lakmahal Library (Colombo) – literature
- And others specializing in graphic novels and poetry.
Arts & Crafts Residencies Include:
- Hampi Art Labs (Hampi)
- Kalhath Institute (Lucknow) – embroidery
- Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust (Faridabad) – puppetry
- Khoj International Residency (New Delhi) – visual arts and curatorial practice
- Jaipur Rugs (Jaipur) – hand-weaving
- Public Arts Trust of India (Jodhpur)
- Brihatta Art Foundation (Dhaka)
- And many others in textile, design, and contemporary arts.
French Partners: Renowned Artistic Residencies Join Hands
The French end of the network consists of 10 prestigious partner institutions, from La Maison Julien Gracq (literature) to Centre National de la Danse (contemporary dance) and Manufactures Nationales (arts and crafts). These institutions began hosting Indian artists in 2024, setting a new benchmark for reciprocal international exchange.
Courtesy – Samuel Adams
By integrating into France’s long-standing ecosystem of artistic residencies—like Villa Medici in Italy and Villa Kujoyama in Japan—Villa Swagatam adds a powerful South Asian dimension to this global network.
Programme Benefits: What Do Residents Receive?
Residents selected for Villa Swagatam enjoy a comprehensive support package:
- International flights and visa fee reimbursements
- A monthly living allowance
- Accommodation, workspace, and production support
- Opportunities to engage with local communities and institutions
Importantly, artists dedicate a portion of their residency to outreach activities, such as school visits, public workshops, literary festivals, or art fairs, ensuring their work resonates beyond the studio and page.
Selection Criteria and Application Details
The programme is open to:
- French and Indian nationals
- Any applicant who has resided in France or India for more than five years (regardless of current nationality)
Courtesy – Samuel Adams
Application Deadline:
🗓️ Monday, 2 June 2025 at midnight (CEST)
Residency Duration:
📍 1 to 3 months between 2025 and 2026
Selection is carried out jointly by the French Institute in India and local partners, ensuring alignment between the resident’s vision and the host’s cultural framework.
Why Villa Swagatam Matters
In a world increasingly fractured by geopolitical divides, initiatives like Villa Swagatam serve as vital threads in the cultural fabric that binds nations. By placing artists and writers at the centre of international exchange, it renews our commitment to mutual respect, shared heritage, and collective creativity.
Courtesy – Samuel Adams
The programme pays homage to visionary figures like S.H. Raza, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jean-Claude Carrière, who once embodied this spirit of transcultural collaboration.
Learn More and Apply
🔗 Website: www.villaswagatam.org
📧 Email: villa-swagatam@ifindia.in
📱 Social Media: @ifiofficiel on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Image – Marisol Santana at work with local craftsmen at Nila House (Jaipur). Courtesy – Samuel Adams
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