Kathmandu International Artist in Residency (KIAR 2027)

site visit

site visit

theater workshop

theater workshop

theater workshop

theater workshop

outcome exhibition

outcome exhibition

outcome exhibition

outcome exhibition

rooftop gathering

rooftop gathering

ceramic workshop

ceramic workshop

tracking

tracking

Kathmandu International Artist in Residency (KIAR 2027)

Kathamndu, Nepal

Nestled between India and China, Nepal is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and diverse cultures. Home to the majestic Himalayas—including Mount Everest—Nepal offers everything from subtropical valleys with banana trees to alpine forests with grazing yaks. The country’s cultural heritage is just as vast, with centuries-old temples, vibrant festivals, and deep-rooted traditions.

Kathmandu, the heart of Nepal, is an ancient city where history and modernity coexist. With its intricate Newari architecture, bustling markets, and sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites, Kathmandu is more than just a city—it’s a living museum. Walking its streets feels like stepping back in time, offering an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

Space A’s Kathmandu International Artist-in-Residency (KIAR) program offers immersive residencies for artists across disciplines—visual arts, performance, music, writing, and more. Set in the vibrant cultural hub of Kathmandu, KIAR fosters collaboration, critical dialogue, and artistic experimentation, providing a space for reflection and research in an inspiring interdisciplinary environment.

KIAR is an opportunity to travel back in time and to relive in history as well as experience natural beauty. We are going to organize a one-month-long residency (30 days) and two-month long residency (60 days). Each time max. 4 applicants will be selected. If participants are interested, KIAR will arrange 7 days of trekking during the residency program.

Contact

Tanka Prashad Ghumti Sadak,
BabarMahal
Kathamndu 44600
Nepal

Year Founded
2019
Context
Urban
Suburban
Rural
Residency Structure
Stand-alone
Embedded in an arts or cultural organization (including theater + gallery)
Embedded in historic site
Embedded in intentional community
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Community-engaged
Research
Experiential
Residency Length
1 month - -2 months
Languages
English
Hindi
French
Bengali
Other
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
4
Collaborative Residency
May apply as a team
Discipline
Acting
Animation
Architecture
Art Conservation
Art Education
Art History
Book Arts
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Choreography
Costume/Fashion Design
Dance
Drawing
Electronic Arts
Environmental Arts
Film
Fine Metals/Jewelry
Graphic Design
History
Illustration
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Literature
Mixed Media
Moving Image
Multimedia Arts
Music
New Genres
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Printmaking
Public Art
Sculpture
Sound Art
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Theater
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Writing
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
Residents granted leave during residency
Spouses/partners allowed for full stay (non-collaborators)
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Give artist talk or presentation
Lead workshop for the public
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to travel
Immersion in new culture and/context
Research support
Access to studio space to create new work
Access to equipment, specialized facilities and/or technical support
Inspiration from natural environment
Inspiration from cultural context
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Opportunities for work with the local community
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
Additional Eligibility Information

Application deadline: 20 August 2026

Residency Highlights:
✔ Private room & shared working space (rooftop, 2 studios and ceramic kilns) with Internet Connection
✔ Access to shared spaces: kitchen, bathroom, and weekly laundry service
✔ Optional 7-day trekking (Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang, or Mardi trek)
✔ Opportunities to host workshops or presentations
✔ Promotion through Space A’s platforms
✔ Strong connections with Nepal’s cultural and artistic community
✔ Human and technical resources

Working language(s):
English / French /Farsi / Hindi / Bengali /Nepali

Who Can Apply?

  • Visual Artist / Painter / Sculptor / Ceramist / Print Maker / Performing Artist / Musician / Writer / New Media Artist / Curator / Film Making / Theater Artist / Architect / Art Critic / Researcher

Residency Periods

Spring:   March / April / May
Summer: June / July / August
Autumn : September / October / November / December

Expenses Covered by Artists:

  • Travel / Supplies / Material / Daily expenses / Food / Volunteer Fee (if needed) / Exhibition (if needed) / Health insurance / Residency fee
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
36
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
100
Artist Stipend
0
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
0
US Dollar (USD)
Residency Fees
800
US Dollar (USD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Fee
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Full description of accessibility on campus
Staff/volunteer giving directions
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Contact info for accessibility requests for event/programming
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
N/A
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Housing available on campus
Local arrangements coordinated by staff
Accessibility Contact Name
Jupiter Pradhan
Accessibility Contact Email
spacea.np@gmail.com
Accessibility Contact Phone Number
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Case by case consideration
Accessible Communal Spaces
N/A
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry in housing
WIFI available in housing
Housekeeping services
Meals Provided
Residents have access to shared kitchen
No meals are provided
Computer/Internet Access
Wireless Internet (WIFI)
No computer access available
Studios/Special Equipment
Shared Studios
Ceramics Workspace
Electric Kiln
Soldering Workspace
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Easels
Printmaking Workspaces
Etching Press
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)