Villa Swagatam - A network of Artistic and Literary Residencies

O ver the years, the French Cultural Network has brought the unique ‘French Touch’ to the Indian subcontinent in the form of several cultural events of varying scope and scale. Keeping in mind the goal of reducing our carbon footprint, we wish to direct more of our energy towards residencies than we have in the past. The residency model is particularly appealing as it allows for longer, deeper, and more meaningful collaborations between the literary and artistic traditions of the two countries.

With this vision in mind, we are launching the Villa Swagatam network of residencies to bring the best French talent to existing residencies spread across India. In doing so, we wish to create a community of French artists who will learn from the rich savoir-faire of the country and be willing to engage with it long-term. The French residents who are chosen will have in common a strong desire to learn about India, its cultural ecosystem, and its know-how. This is why, for this first edition we have decided to foster residency programs in the fields of literature, performing arts, and arts & craft. Writers, graphic novelists, performing artists, designers and visual artists amongst others will be given a unique opportunity to connect and interact with local key players and to dialogue with Indian cultural practices.

‘Swagatam’ is the Sanskrit equivalent of the French ‘Bienvenue’ and reflects our desire to welcome dialogue, collaboration, and exchange. This philosophy is indeed at the core of the French cultural network which aims to encourage bilateral cooperation: Villa Swagatam will join a list of international French residency-based initiatives all over the world including Villa Albertine in the United States, Villa Kujoyama in Japan, Casa de Velázquez in Spain, or even the Nouveau Grand Tour and the centenary Villa Medicis in Italy.

In order to attract renowned artists and writers to India, we will partner with several French cultural institutions such as literary residencies and centers, art schools, theaters and festivals, but also private foundations. A single call for applications will be launched next April in order to welcome the first residents to India in mid 2023. Hence, Villa Swagatam will enable a constant presence of French artists and writers on Indian territory throughout the year.