Vedaaranya Artists’ Learning and Development Opportunity at Ramgarh Shekhawati Rajasthan
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is pleased to announce the continuation of the Vedaaranya Artists’ Learning and Development Opportunity at Ramgarh Shekhawati Rajasthan, in association with the British Council and the Shruti Foundation. In 2027, the Learning and Development Opportunity is open to artists of most disciplines but is particularly suited to visual artists, craftspeople and designers working in textiles and jewellery, dance, music and theatre to fit with priorities, traditions and developments in the location.
Application Deadline: Fri 28th Aug, 2026, 12:00PM
In 2027, the Learning and Development Opportunity is open to artists of most disciplines but is particularly suited to visual artists, craftspeople and designers working in textiles and jewellery, dance, music and theatre to fit with priorities, traditions and developments in the location.
We can offer a one-month Learning and Development Opportunity in the historic town of Ramgarh Shekhawati in the princely state of Rajasthan, founded in 1791, which was one of the richest towns in 19th century India. This is a historic urban landscape (HUL) region of India. The Learning and Development Opportunity is not a structured programme but is rather an opportunity travel to/ within India and be immersed in unique cultural experiences that can foster creativity, encourage artistic exploration and inspiration. While the host can help with orientation, the individual will need to be flexible, self-motivated, resourceful and ultimately able to use initiative to maximise this learning and development opportunity. The selected artist will be required to engage with young people and local community groups and/or undertake school workshops. If you are successful, you will be required to complete a Basic Access NI check, if you do not already have one. The community engagement will be designed between the host and the artist; it is part of the learning and development opportunity which ACNI contributes toward but it is not designed to be a scheduled work experience with pay. It is therefore important to note that the artist will need to manage their own time well and able to advocate for oneself when it comes to planning and delivery.
Artists may apply for a month-long Learning and Development Opportunity from January 2027 to February 2027. Artists must be in residence to coincide with the dates of the VHAH FEST (29th January to 2nd February 2027). Artists will be expected to attend Festival events as per invitation of host and at the discretion of the individual’s needs; there may also be opportunities to perform/deliver workshop(s)/speak during the Festival. This will be decided between the host and successful candidate upon award.
*Successful applicant(s) will be strongly advised to communicate with the host in order to agree optimal timing for Learning and Development Opportunity.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants to the Vedaaranya Artists’ Learning and Development Opportunity at Ramgarh Shekhawati Rajasthan 2027 are as follows:
- Artists from most disciplines can avail of space and time to create their own work while also delivering upon agreed community engagement elements. Visual artists working in traditional and sustainable materials may find this opportunity beneficial and it is also particularly suited to craftspeople and designers working in textiles and jewellery, dance, music and theatre
- Employees of statutory bodies , undergraduates and postgraduates are eligible to apply but they must prove that the funds which they are seeking are for work/costs which are not properly the concern of their employer and/or are not related to their work or academic study. They must submit evidence of this in the form of a letter on headed paper from their Head of Department.
- In the case of post-graduate students, the letter must clearly state the title of the student’s PhD thesis and include a declaration by the Head of Department. This declaration must state “The project for which funds are being sought does not form part of any academic work undertaken in relation to the above-titled PhD nor will it be assessed as part of any academic course”.
- Applicants undertaking a Masters or a PhD must also include a separate statement which provides information on how the project applied for differs from their Masters or PhD work.
Eligible applicants must also
- Have made a contribution to artistic activities in Northern Ireland for a minimum period of 1 year within the last 5 years.
- Live in Northern Ireland
- Be at least 18yrs old and not in secondary education.
What you can apply for
The value of the Learning and Development Opportunity is £3,720 which covers:
- Accommodation costs inclusive of three meals per day and teas and coffee twice a day
- Access to Library, studio space and museum
- Free Wi-Fi
- Local doctor
- Provision of workshop and research materials
- Access to local artist or crafts persons for collaborative work
- Heritage Walk & Travel Sightseeing or Heritage spaces by car of heritage spaces in Ramgarh and adjoining town
- Additional offers will be discussed with the successful artist.
The Arts Council will cover:
- Travel Costs - return flights to Delhi £1,000
- Hotel Costs - Delhi (2 nights) £100
- Internal transport to and from Delhi, organised in collaboration with host.
- The cost of the Tourist Visa, up to £100, which the artist must arrange.
- Stipend £500
- Vaccination costs up to £400
- Travel Insurance and other travel costs e.g. travel to/from departure airport/hotel night before flight/transporting or insuring instrument/equipment up to £400
- Access NI Basic Check, £16
How to apply?
You must apply using our online system. We will not accept applications in hard copy or by email.
If you feel you have a disability which affects your ability to complete the online application form, please contact the University of Atypical (UoA). The UoA will provide tailored advice and support to D/deaf, disabled and Neurodiverse applicants when submitting application to ACNI Programmes.
- Online applications may be edited, saved and returned up to the closing date. You must submit all mandatory enclosures associated with the application at the same time as your application, i.e. they must be uploaded to your online application prior to its submission. These enclosures are listed on the Attachments page within the online application and are detailed below.
- Please ensure that you leave sufficient time to upload all documents to the system as there can be long delays as the closing deadline approaches and the system will shut down at 12 noon precisely on the closing date, Friday 28 August 2026. If your complete application is not fully uploaded when the system closes, your application will not be accepted.
- If you submit your application by the closing deadline, you will receive an automated email advising that your application has been successfully submitted to the system. If you do not receive this email, your application has not been submitted.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that we receive the application form and uploaded enclosures by the closing time and date.
Online Applications
You must apply using our online system. We will not accept applications in hard copy or by email.