Bridging Culture and Arts Foundation (B-CAF) Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Artists who are selected for the Arts Residency at Arts Nest by B-CAF in Kolkata will enjoy a wide array of benefits and opportunities. Firstly, they will receive a safe, comfortable and cosy place to stay with bed and breakfast included, ensuring that they can focus on their creative work without worrying about accommodation. The surrounding area is filled with numerous eateries, offering a diverse range of cuisines, so artists can relish a variety of flavours during their stay. The space is well connected through Metro, Auto Rikshaws, Uber/Ola, the famous yellow taxi, Cycle Rikshaws and buses.

Arts Nest provides a dedicated and inspiring workspace, facilitating artists to fully immerse themselves in their creative processes. What sets this residency apart is its location in a vibrant artistic community, offering an excellent chance for artists to connect, collaborate, and engage with local artists.

The residency program facilitates connections with art critics, writers, and arts organizations, enabling artists to gain a deep understanding of the local artistic ethos.

Kolkata, known as the cultural hub of India, offers a unique tapestry of art and history, and this residency provides an unparalleled exposure to this cultural richness. In addition to a nurturing environment, B-CAF organizes cultural tours for residents, providing them with an opportunity to explore and experience the rich heritage, culture, and history of Bengal and India.

Duration

Stay at Arts Nest is customizable, ranging from a flexible minimum of 1 week to a comprehensive maximum of 4 weeks. At one time, only one Artist-in-Residence is given the space.

Important Dates

Date of Open Call : 1st December 2023

Last date of application : 15th January 2024

Result announcement :  31st January 2024

Commencement of Residency : February 2024 onwards, selected artists would be contacted to schedule their time at Arts Nest

Materials and Equipment

Arts Nest residents are encouraged to bring their own computers and relevant work materials. Alternatively, for convenience, B-CAF can assist residents in identifying cost-effective local vendors in Kolkata for the purchase of necessary materials.

Arts Nest Costs

Included in the fee

• Accommodation
• Studio/Workspace
• Equipped kitchenette
• Cleaning service
• Electricity, water and Wifi
• Air-conditioning and fans (artists are requested to use air-conditioning moderately)
• Transport to and from the airport
• Administrative support
• Curated studio visits
• One Cultural tour (for artists staying a minimum of 2 weeks)
• Networking opportunities for potential collaborations
• Artist profile promotion on our website and social media platforms
• Showcasing of the outcome of the residency (for artists staying a minimum of 2 weeks)

Arts Nest fee is designed to provide you with a comprehensive package of benefits, meticulously crafted to bolster your artistic project. Recognizing the brevity of residencies, we emphasize the importance of early preparation to optimize your time and cultivate meaningful connections.

Services upon request (with additional fees)

• Two meals (self-service breakfast and home-cooked dinner) 100 USD a week per person
• Organised trip or tour
• Technical support e.g. woodwork, metalwork, etc.
• Professional translation
• Exhibition installation and dismantlement in case artists would like to showcase the outcome of the residency Showcasing of the outcome of the residency (for artists staying a minimum of 2 weeks)
• We also provide the opportunity to conduct workshops, subject to the availability of space and the target audience.

What is not provided?

• Art materials or funding for art materials
• Funding for travel costs; airfares to and from the origin and other transport costs are the responsibility of the artist
• Fees for procuring and maintaining travel visas
• Health insurance
• Entrance fee to museums/galleries/spaces etc.
• Local travel costs (outside the transport to/from the airport and of the cultural tour hosted by B-CAF)
• Allowance or stipend
• Food and beverages and other groceries are the responsibility of the artist (everything is available within walking distance)

Payment and Cancellation

Upon confirmation of your residency, we kindly request a 100% advance payment of the fee as a deposit. We understand that plans may change, and therefore offer a 50% refundable deposit for cancellations made at least 2 weeks in advance. This ensures a transparent and flexible process, allowing you to make reservations with confidence.