Create.
Retreat.
Transform.

An immersive artist residency in the heart of
Himachal Pradesh, where mountains meet making.

Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh

"Nature is the greatest artist and teacher."

— Nandalal Bose
21 Days of Pure Creation

Where the Himalayas become your studio

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.

6
Artists per cohort
200
Artists feature in magazine
7200ft
Above sea level
1
Group show of the Resident Artists in Himachal
₹10,000
Artist Stipend
₹10,000
Travel Support

Meet the jurors

Three distinguished voices from Indian cinema, sculpture, and independent film, reviewing every application with care.

Juror 01 Dr. Lalit Mohan Tiwari

Dr. Lalit Mohan Tiwari

Actor · National School of Drama

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.

Juror 02 Madhukar K. Wanjari

Madhukar K. Wanjari

Sculptor · Former Head, Sculpture Dept, Sir J. J. School of Art

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.

Juror 03 Jenifer D Areng

Jenifer D Areng

Writer / Director · North-East India

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.

The full experience

Everything you need to make your most authentic, fearless work.

01

Creative Immersion

Dedicated studio hours, outdoor sessions, and uninterrupted creative time in one of earth's most inspiring landscapes.

02

Nature-Led Practice

Air sessions, forest walks as research,cycling and river side creative sessions.

03

Artist Networking

Build lasting bonds with a diverse global cohort of painters, photographers, writers, sculptors, and mixed-media practitioners.

04

Studio & Living

Shared and private studio spaces, comfortable mountain cottages, nourishing Himachali meals, and all the chai you can drink.

05

Wellness & Reflection

Yoga at sunrise, guided meditations, bonfire evenings, and the deep restoration that mountain silence provides.

06

Community Living

Cook together, critique together, dream together. Shared rituals that turn six strangers into a lifelong creative family.

Choose your path

Begin your Raatart journey.Residency dates 20th November to 10th December 2026 Selected artist will be announced on 3rd of November 2026

Student Pass
For the curious creative
599
Early Bird Pass
  • Residency application Fees
  • Non Refundable / Transferable

Before you ask

What is the application fee?
The application fee is:
-₹599 for Students
-₹999 for Artists
This fee is charged to cover application processing, administration, and jury review.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The application fee is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable under all circumstances.
How many artists will be selected for the residency?
A maximum of 6 artists will be selected for the 21-Day Artist Residency in Himachal Pradesh.
What is the Residency Magazine?
In addition to the residency, 200 artists will be selected to be featured in the official Residency Magazine. The magazine will be circulated among collectors, buyers, and supporters of the residency to increase visibility for participating artists and encourage connections with potential collectors or buyers.
Will the organisers take a commission from artwork sales?
No. The organisers will not charge or receive any commission, brokerage, or percentage from artwork sales resulting from magazine visibility or residency participation.
Are residency selection and magazine selection separate?
Yes. Selection for the residency and selection for the magazine are independent jury decisions. An applicant may be selected for either, both, or neither, based solely on the jury's evaluation.
Can an application be disqualified?
Yes. Applications may be disqualified without refund if they contain:
-False information
-Plagiarised work
-AI-generated misrepresentation
-Misleading documentation
What does the residency provide to selected artists?
Selected residents will receive:
-A 21-Day Artist Residency in Himachal Pradesh
-Accommodation for the full residency period
-Meals throughout the residency
-₹10,000 Artist Stipend
-₹10,000 Travel Support
-Material support, subject to prior approval by the organisers
What is expected from artists during the residency?
Residents are expected to actively participate in the residency environment with professionalism, respect, and responsibility.
What am I responsible for bringing?
While accommodation, meals, and basic material support are provided, artists are responsible for bringing their own personal tools and specialised equipment required for their practice.
Who is responsible for shipping, insurance, and delivery of sold artworks?
Artists remain solely responsible for the packing, transport, shipping, insurance, and delivery of sold artworks unless otherwise agreed in writing.

We'd love to hear from you

Email
raatartstudioresidency@gmail.com
Contact Number
+91 8356976344
Location
Himachal Pradesh, India
Exact location shared on acceptance
Instagram
raatartstudio_residency
Response Time
We reply within 48 hours