Serendipity Arts, a prominent arts organisation, has unveiled the lineup of artists for its flagship residency programme. The annual three-month programme, based in New Delhi, aims to provide a nurturing environment and resources for artists to develop their practice, work on new projects, and engage with the art community. The residency, set to begin on July 3 and culminate with an open studio in early October, welcomed applications from artists across various disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, visual arts, movement-based practices, and new media.
The selected artists for this year’s residency programme include Dileep Chilanka from Kerala, Rich Arya from Haryana, Salman B Baba from Jammu and Kashmi, Sewali Deka from Assam, and Surbhi Mittal from New Delhi. These artists represent a diverse range of backgrounds and artistic practices, promising a captivating exploration of creativity during their residency. Additionally, the programme features Shivani Kasumra, a New Delhi-based researcher and writer, who has been chosen as the curator-in-residence. This selection reflects the organisation’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and innovative artistic growth within the art community.
In a statement, Smriti Rajgarhia, the director of Serendipity Arts Foundation and the festival, congratulated the selected residents and expressed enthusiasm for their creative journeys. Rajgarhia emphasised the anticipation of witnessing the residents’ development and innovation throughout the residency. The programme aims to cultivate a conducive environment for artistic growth and facilitate connections within the art community in New Delhi.
In addition to the Indian artists, this edition of the residency programme includes French artist Massandje Sanogo as part of the ‘Villa Swagatam Initiative’, a collaboration with the French Institute in India. This initiative seeks to strengthen cultural ties between India and France by fostering meaningful cultural exchanges and creative connections among artists from both countries. The inclusion of an international artist adds a cross-cultural dimension to the residency programme, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
The residency programme offers more than just studio space and accommodation. It provides the selected artists with a monthly per diem for meals, a production grant to cover materials, and additional technical support. This comprehensive support enables the artists to fully immerse themselves in their creative processes and explore new artistic horizons.
The Serendipity Arts Festival, organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation, is the primary initiative and largest project of the organisation. Held annually in Goa every December, it serves as a multidisciplinary arts event that showcases the works of artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theatre, and more. The residency programme aligns with the foundation’s mission to promote artistic excellence and foster collaborations within the art community.
As the selected artists embark on their three-month journey of artistic exploration and growth, the Serendipity Arts residency programme promises to be an exciting and transformative experience for all involved. It not only provides a platform for artists to develop their practice but also serves as a catalyst for cultural exchange and meaningful connections among artists from different backgrounds and countries.
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