There’s a kind of quiet magic that happens when artists are given time, space, and silence. No deadlines. No expectations. Just a studio, a landscape, and the freedom to create.
“I spent five days at a pottery residency in Dharamkot in February 2025, where the studio overlooked the mountains and offered a calm, creative space. The location was perfect—not only for making with clay, but also for exploring scenic hikes and experiencing Tibetan culture in nearby McLeod Ganj. I connected with fellow residents from around the world, and the kind studio staff made the whole experience warm and grounding.”
— Meghna, UK
Our artist residency is built on that spirit.
It’s not just about making work, it’s about listening to where you are, to what’s around you, and to the stories you carry. It’s about living slowly for a while, and letting your practice breathe.
Here’s a little glimpse into what it means to be part of our residency—and how you can apply.
Who Is This Residency For?
We welcome artists who are searching—curious, open, and ready to step into a slower rhythm. Whether you work in ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, movement, sound, or something in between, we’re most interested in people who are present in their process.
There are two types of residencies:
Self-Funded Residency (open to artists across all disciplines)
Fully-Funded Residency (specifically for potters, ceramic artists, and art curators whose practice aligns with our studio philosophy)
You might be emerging or established, self-taught or academically trained. What matters is the sincerity of your voice, and the way your work holds space.
We especially love artists who are inspired by nature, rhythm, slowness, ritual, ancestry, and the quiet poetry of everyday life.
How to Apply
Applying is simple, and we like to keep it personal.
To apply, send us:
- A short artist statement (max 500 words)
- Your portfolio (5–10 recent works)
- A short proposal of what you hope to explore here
- A CV or some lines about your journey so far
- Optional but encouraged: two professional references (especially if applying for the fully-funded option)
You can email everything to: residency@dharamkotstudio.com. There’s no application fee. No pressure to pitch a “big” project. We’re looking for honesty, not polish.
What to Expect If You’re Selected
The Monsoon Artist Residency 2025 runs from July 4 to August 20, and you can stay for 1 to 3 weeks, depending on your pace and project.
You’ll have:
- A private room and bathroom
- Three fresh, nourishing meals a day
- Access to a fully equipped ceramic studio (pottery wheels, slab rollers, electric/gas kilns, tools)
- High-speed Wi-Fi, strong mobile network, and time to walk, read, and simply be
The residency is nestled in Dharamkot, a forest-lined village in Himachal Pradesh, just above McLeodganj. Think mountain views, pine trees, the sound of rain. Perfect for introspection and focused work.
You set your own rhythm—there’s no daily schedule. Some days you might glaze all morning, others you may wander the hills. It’s all welcome.
“I stayed at the residency for about three weeks in February 2025. It was a beautiful period of deep focus and calm that allowed me to be truly productive. I explored a new theme and experimented with sculptural forms using a technique I had never tried before. The environment offered full immersion—no distractions. The staff were wonderful, the food was delicious, the nature breathtaking, and the cultural atmosphere around Dharamkot was incredibly rich. Many fresh ideas came to me during this time, and I created with great joy. This experience deeply nourished me and gave me the energy and inspiration for my future work.”
— Irina, Russia
Fees & Support
Self-Funded Residency: ₹3,500/day + 18% GST
(Includes accommodation, meals, studio access; materials extra)
Fully-Funded Residents: Receive accommodation, meals, studio access—and in some cases, further support depending on the proposal
Partners are welcome for an additional ₹1,600/day (includes meals). Optional workshops can also be arranged.
What Will You Create Here?
That’s up to you.
Some artists come with a plan. Others arrive and let the landscape speak first. You might complete a full body of work, or walk away with something more internal—a shift, a new rhythm, a deeper way of looking.
We invite you to respond to place and presence. Some artists work with local clay. Others with found objects. Some write. Some sit still. All of it belongs.
Sharing and Offering
At the end of your stay, we host a gentle open studio—just a way to share what’s been unfolding, whether that’s sketches, sculptures, or a conversation.
Some residents choose to leave behind a piece for our growing archive—an offering back to the land and the space. Others give differently: a moment, a memory, a shift.
Final Thoughts
This residency is a space to return to yourself. To the slowness of making. To the quiet work of paying attention.
We hold space for artists who want to create with care, who are okay with not knowing, who believe art doesn’t always need to be loud to be heard.
If that feels like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications for the Monsoon Residency (July 4–August 20, 2025) are open now.
To apply, email: residency@dharamkotstudio.com