The French Institute in India has announced the second edition of the Villa Swagatam residency program, featuring 28 exceptional artists and writers from India, France, and Bangladesh. This year’s expanded program includes residencies across 27 locations—18 in India, 1 in Bangladesh, and 10 in France—fostering innovative artistic collaborations.
The initiative aims to enhance Indo-French cultural exchange by aligning artists with residencies that match their interests and genres, leading to unique cross-cultural projects. Highlights include transforming temple hair donations into embroidered textiles, and creating graphic documentaries on urban Indian ecology. The program spans various artistic disciplines including literature, poetry, and design.
H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, emphasized the importance of reciprocal cultural cooperation, noting the introduction of Indian artists into French institutions.
Selected laureates include French researcher Antonin Mongin, who will explore traditional embroidery with temple hair donations in Chennai, and Indian visual artist Kavita Singh, who will create sculptures reflecting Parisian environmental challenges. The diverse cohort showcases emerging talents and established professionals, promising rich, cross-cultural artistic contributions.
Villa Swagatam’s second edition is set to further redefine global artistic collaboration and cultural fusion.
