An immersive artist residency in the heart of
Himachal Pradesh, where mountains meet making.
"Nature is the greatest artist and teacher."
The residency was born from a simple belief: artists need space not only to create, but also to pause, reflect, wander, and reconnect with themselves. — In a world driven by constant productivity and outcomes, this residency offers a rare, mind-free space — free from the pressure to produce, perform, or explain. Rooted in nature and silence, it invites artists to slow down and rediscover the deeper rhythms of their practice.
We believe nature continues to guide artists through stillness, movement, patience, and truth. The residency provides six selected artists with accommodation, meals, travel support, and a living allowance, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Artists are free to explore unfinished ideas, begin new journeys, continue existing work, or simply spend time reflecting without expectation. Depending on the response and scale of participation, the number of selected artists may increase from six to ten. This is a space that values process over production, presence over performance, and exploration over outcome not just a place to make art, but a place to return to oneself.
Three distinguished voices from Indian cinema, sculpture, and independent film, reviewing every application with care.
Dr. Lalit Mohan Tiwari is a veteran Indian film, television, and theatre actor, and an alumnus of the National School of Drama. With a career spanning decades across parallel cinema, mainstream films, theatre, and television, he remains one of the most respected performers in Indian visual storytelling.
He is widely recognised for his memorable performances in landmark productions such as Om-Dar-B-Dar, the cult classic directed by Kamal Swaroop, as well as acclaimed works by Shyam Benegal including Mammo, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda, Welcome to Sajjanpur, and Well Done Abba.
His television work includes iconic appearances in Mahabharat and Bharat Ek Khoj, while his filmography also features notable Hindi films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Lamhe, and Chandni.
In recognition of his lifelong national contribution to the fields of arts and theatre, Lalit Mohan Tiwari was recently conferred with the prestigious honorary Doctorate of Literature (D. Litt Honoris Causa) by Kumaun University during its 19th Convocation ceremony.
Deeply connected to literature, theatre, cinema, and Indian artistic traditions, he continues to contribute meaningfully to the country's cultural landscape through his work.
Madhukar K. Wanjari is a distinguished Indian sculptor, educator, and former Head of the Department of Sculpture at Sir J. J. School of Art. Widely respected for his contribution to contemporary sculpture and arts education in India, he has played an important role in shaping generations of emerging artists through both his practice and pedagogy.
With decades of experience in sculpture, public art, and academic mentorship, Wanjari's work reflects a deep engagement with materiality, form, balance, and human expression. His artistic language often bridges traditional sculptural sensibilities with contemporary approaches, creating works that are both rooted and experimental.
As an educator, he has been closely associated with some of India's most respected art institutions and has guided numerous young sculptors, artists, and researchers through his teaching, workshops, and mentorship. During his tenure at Sir J. J. School of Art, he contributed significantly to the development of the Sculpture Department and encouraged interdisciplinary thinking within contemporary art practice.
Over the years, his sculptures and artistic contributions have been exhibited and recognized across various national platforms, earning him respect within India's art and academic communities.
Deeply committed to artistic inquiry, craftsmanship, and cultural dialogue, Madhukar K. Wanjari continues to inspire younger generations of artists through his lifelong dedication to art, education, and creative exploration.
Jenifer D Areng is a writer/director based in North-East India. She is an alumni of DIFF (Dharamshala International Film Festival) and Produire Au Sud (South Asian Film Lab). She began writing, directing and editing her own films shortly after completing her graduation in Sociology in 2012. For her, moving over to writing stories about the many facets of psycho-social behavior within the constrictions of human existence felt like a natural progression.
Her student film "Little Things" was nominated for the National Student Film Award at Satyajit Ray Film Institute (2014). Her film "Tear" (2019) premiered at the International Documentary & Short Film Festival, Kerala. In 2021, her debut feature script 'Storm Bird' won the 'Journey To Europe' Screenwriting Fellowship held by Cineuropa, the European Union & Dharamshala International Film Festival.
In 2023, the film was invited by the EU to pitch at the Cannes Marche Du Film. In 2025, the film received the prestigious Creative Europe MEDIA development fund. Second Body/Mikjumang (2026), her third short film, is currently being submitted to festivals.
Everything you need to make your most authentic, fearless work.
Dedicated studio hours, outdoor sessions, and uninterrupted creative time in one of earth's most inspiring landscapes.
Air sessions, forest walks as research,cycling and river side creative sessions.
Build lasting bonds with a diverse global cohort of painters, photographers, writers, sculptors, and mixed-media practitioners.
Shared and private studio spaces, comfortable mountain cottages, nourishing Himachali meals, and all the chai you can drink.
Yoga at sunrise, guided meditations, bonfire evenings, and the deep restoration that mountain silence provides.
Cook together, critique together, dream together. Shared rituals that turn six strangers into a lifelong creative family.
It began in the quiet corners of my own studio. A simple open door where creators could enter, work free from the friction of outside noise, and stay as long as the ink required. It was a space sustained not by capital, but by the community and friends who carried me through my own artistic journey.
I learned that when you strip away the pressure of "becoming" something—allowing yourself to get completely lost in the work without the hindrance of others' thoughts—you finally give an artist room to breathe.
This residency is built on that exact foundation: a sanctuary by an artist, for artists. We are stepping out of the rat race and into the mountains to return to the raw, unhurried pursuit of craft.
Every bit of momentum this residency gathers will go directly toward expanding opportunities, welcoming more artists, and building a space that remains rooted in care, experimentation, and artistic freedom.
Come as you are. The space is yours. 🌙
Begin your Raatart journey.Residency dates 20th November to 10th December 2026 Selected artist will be announced on 3rd of November 2026