Art Residencies in India: Shaping the Future of Contemporary Art | Interview with Smriti Rajgarhia

Saurabh Tankha

Though not many are aware of the concept of art residencies, these are organisations that support artists by offering them time, space, and resources—either privately or through not-for-profit initiatives. Artists can apply or be invited to these programmes, spending anywhere from a few weeks to several months away from their studios, focusing purely on their creative practice.

Art residencies are not new to India, but they remain limited in number and concentrated in a few cities. However, contemporary urban art residencies—such as Dharti—are fast becoming an important part of India’s evolving cultural ecosystem.

Excerpts from an interview with Smriti Rajgarhia, Director at Serendipity Arts Foundation, about the role, relevance, and future of art residencies in India:

How successful have art residencies been and how many exist in India?

It is difficult to define the “success” of art residencies in conventional terms. Many have managed to sustain themselves over the years, while others have shut down. Since residencies are spaces of pause and reflection, market-driven metrics like sales or footfall do not apply here.

Most residencies do not insist on a tangible “outcome” from artists. Instead, they provide an environment where artists can step back, reassess their practice, engage in meaningful dialogue, and discover new perspectives.

These intangible, non-quantifiable elements are what make residencies so significant. They differ from galleries and commercial art institutions in that sense. While it’s hard to determine an exact number, India hosts several well-known residencies such as KHOJ International Artists’ Association (Peers Residency), Pepper House Residency, Piramal Art Residency, and CONA, among others.

How are art residencies changing the art scene in India?

Art residencies, especially those designed for emerging artists, create a space where artistic practice can flourish outside formal educational institutions.

They are not necessarily about skill-based learning. Instead, they enable artists to interact with peers and senior practitioners, build networks, and develop a support system. This exposure allows artists to experiment and grow in unconventional, often more meaningful ways.

Tell us about Serendipity Arts Foundation and how it works.

Serendipity Arts Foundation aims to foster cultural partnerships, innovative artistic strategies, and creative interventions that respond to the socio-cultural landscape of South Asia.

The Foundation is committed to supporting and promoting creativity by building platforms that connect artists with wider audiences. Its programmes are collaborative, interdisciplinary, and designed to impact education, community development, and social initiatives through the arts.

What is the Dharti Residency and what makes it unique?

The Dharti Residency, organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation, is an emerging platform that supports contemporary artistic practices in India.

The second edition features an esteemed jury, including artist Manisha Parikh, curator-artist Riyas Komu, curator and editor Latika Gupta, and PHOTOINK director Devika Daulet-Singh.

The residency offers a dynamic curriculum, including:

• Walks through Old Delhi and the Lodhi Art District
• Studio visits to artists Thukral and Tagra
• Two-week internship opportunities
• A final showcase where artists present their work to the public

How was the response to the first edition of Dharti Residency?

The first edition turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It began as a creative experiment, shaped by insights from curators, collaborators, and research on global residencies.

Even after its launch, the programme remained a learning experience. Feedback from participating artists played a crucial role in refining and improving the second edition.

Do art fairs help in promoting artists in India?

Art fairs are inherently commercial—they serve as platforms for galleries and museums to showcase and sell artworks. Their audience is often niche and market-focused.

While art fairs play an important role in the commercial art ecosystem, organisations like the Serendipity Arts Foundation operate differently. The Serendipity Arts Festival, for instance, is a not-for-profit, free event aimed at public engagement rather than sales.

That said, both commercial and non-commercial platforms contribute significantly to promoting artists and their work.

Why hasn’t Indian art reached its full potential globally?

For Indian art to gain stronger international recognition, it needs a sustainable ecosystem built on consistent patronage.

This requires a shift in mindset—greater appreciation of the arts and increased support from both public and private sectors. Investment is needed not just financially, but also in education and infrastructure.

What is the future of art residencies in India?

Art residencies are a growing global phenomenon, and their gradual expansion in India is a positive sign.

They are increasingly being recognised as legitimate alternative spaces for artistic practice. Going forward, there is hope for more residencies across disciplines—not just visual arts, but also performing arts, culinary arts, writing, film, and criticism.

Art residencies in India are quietly but steadily reshaping the cultural landscape. By offering artists the freedom to experiment, reflect, and collaborate, they are building a more inclusive and sustainable art ecosystem—one that goes beyond commercial success and focuses on creative growth.