Villa Swagatam - French Institute in India

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From 20th April to 5th June 2023

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Performing Arts

RRAP International Exchange Program

Rachna Books Writers Residency

Alice Boner Institute Residency

RRAP International Exchange Program

Rachna Books Writers Residency

Alice Boner Institute Residency

About Us

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 and history 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. 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. Know More

Highlights of the official launch of Villa Swagatam

While waiting for the first Villa Swagatam residents to come to India, the French Institute in India (IFI) has decided to invite the dancers of Trimukhi Platform and the famous French dancer and choreographer Amala Dianor to perform on this special occasion. Before initiating its own network of residencies, IFI was already supporting residency programmes in India. Tonight, we wish to form bridges and bonds between former and new initiatives, with the single objective of transmitting and learning from each other.

There is a deep friendship, and mutual cultural admiration between the French and Indian peoples. We are both nations with a rich history, and extremely talented artists and innovators. It is our endeavour to bring them closer together and build a true Indo-French community of artists. That is the purpose of the Villa Swagatam initiative, which I have the pleasure of inaugurating today. I warmly thank the Indian partners who will open their residencies to French writers and artists all over India.