Arts Council of Northern Ireland The National Lottery
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Arts Council and British Council invite applications from artists for month long residency in India

18th January, 2024

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, in association with the British Council, is offering one artist the opportunity to travel to the princely state of Rajasthan, India, to undertake a month-long residency.

Two artists are pictured, one holds a book under their arm, the other a long piece of embroidered fabric which stretches towards the camera
Pictured is visual artist Mairead McCormack and poet Emily S Cooper who were selected by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the British Council to undertake residencies in India in 2019.

The Vedaaranya Artists Residency is open to artists working across various disciplines including music, visual arts and literature but may be particularly suited to textile artists and muralists working across traditional and sustainable materials.

Situated in the historic town of Ramgarh Shekhawah, one of the richest towns in India in the 19th Century, the residency is designed to give artists dedicated space and time to develop their practice. The selected artists will engage with young people from local communities and undertake schools’ workshops.

This international opportunity is the result of links forged with key cultural institutions in India by the Arts Council and British Council as a platform for creating, sharing and promoting the creative arts.

Noirin McKinney, joint Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: 

"This residency is a wonderful opportunity for one artist from Northern Ireland to travel to India this year, where they can immerse themselves in an incredible creative community to learn and take inspiration from the people, landscapes and culture. International opportunities like this are a hugely valuable platform not only for the artists that will take part but serves to showcase the immense talent and creativity Northern Ireland has to offer.”

As part of this residency, the Arts Council will cover costs including travel, accommodation, meals and vaccination and travel insurance. To find out more and how to apply, go to: National Lottery Indian Residency | Arts Council NI (artscouncil-ni.org)

Applications close Wednesday 31st January 2024, 12pm.