Alice Boner Institute Residency

Residency brief

The Alice Boner Institute (ABI) stands as a repository for the artistic traditions of India through published books, manuscripts, and a rich art collection. It is a space that nurtures academic and artistic research through its art library, artist, writer and researcher residencies, and exchange programmes, short courses, and publications.

Alice Boner Institute Residency targets individuals whose research deals with the culture of India, or for whom the cultural context of Varanasi is integral. They can be writers, practitioners, or social science researchers. During the course of their stay, residents are expected to engage with other institutional networks as well as hold presentations, readings, and workshops for a public audience.

  • Thematic focus Literature / Humanities
  • LocationVaranasi, (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Dates 1 November - 15 December 2023
  • Length of stay 6 weeks
  • Apply Now

Our Space

Assi Ghat, Varanasi, (Uttar Pradesh)

The Alice Boner Institute residency programme is located at Assi Ghat on the banks of the river Ganga, in Varanasi. It is located in an old house with heritage architecture that was once the home of the Swiss artist and scholar Alice Boner from 1935 to 1978.

Residency conditions

  • The resident will be given accommodation in an individual room equipped with writing desks and wi-fi. The common spaces include the Book Lounge, the common room, the verandah, and many other writing spaces. The residence has 6 rooms which may or may not be occupied by other writers at the time.
  • The resident’ travel costs to and from his home address will be covered by the French Institute in India.
  • The Residency will provide the resident with three meals a day. There will be arrangements for tea/coffee in the room itself.
  • In addition, the resident will receive a fixed stipend of INR. 30 000 to cover for other living or commuting expenses.
  • The resident should be willing to devote up to 20% of his residency time to participating in lectures, co-hosting a workshop, giving talks or conferences in local schools, universities, and/or other cultural activities organised by the Himalayan Writers Retreat or by IFI.
  • The resident is expected to produce a short written piece about his experience, in a free format, that could be published in France or India and that will testify of his experience of the Residency.

Eligibility criteria

  • The resident must have a working knowledge of English.
  • The resident must have one book (minimum) published by a French publishing house, or several texts published in literary magazines.