Kalhath Institute

Residency brief

The Kalhath Institute, established in 2016, is the brainchild of Maximiliano Modesti, a craft entrepreneur based out of Mumbai and Paris. Kalhath is a training centre for the artisans of Lucknow and its surrounding areas, and offers a ‘Residency Programme’ that is one-of-a-kind, in that it facilitates the seamless blending of the world of art and craft through a collaborative exercise between the artist and the artisan with the use of a plethora of natural materials, ranging from silk and cotton thread to jute and the like, retaining their distinctive characteristics.

The craftsmen on the Kalhath team are specialists in hand embroidery. Their craft covers the techniques of Zardosi, Ari, and a host of others, passed down through generations of craftsmen. The residents are encouraged to utilize the artisanal resources at Kalhath for the duration of their residency in an environment that is symbiotic in nature. In the recent past, Kalhath has had artists such as T. Venkanna and Pierre Roy Camille – supported by the French Institute in India – create artworks with their artisans.

  • Thematic focus Arts & Crafts (textile, embroidery)
  • LocationLucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Dates October 2023 - March 2024
  • Length of stay 2 months minimum
  • Apply Now

Our Space

Char Bagh area, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)

Lucknow, the golden city of the east, has been celebrated for its magnificent historical heritage and handicraft. Regarded as one of the multicultural cities of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow has always been at the forefront in promoting art and craft, be it Chikankari, Zardozi or Zarbuland. Today, Lucknow is home to skilled artisans who create some of the finest handicrafts famed across the world.

Kalhath is strategically located in a heritage bungalow in the Char Bagh area of Lucknow in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Residency conditions

  • The resident will be provided with a collective working studio house, as well as all necessary embroidery-related material (threads, yarns, base fabric, needles, etc.).
  • The resident will be provided with on-site accommodation, which includes a separate lockable air-conditioned/heated room with an attached washroom, and a terrace which can be used for oversized artworks which are oversized in nature.
  • The resident will be provided with three meals a day, along with tea/coffee available upon request.
  • In addition, the resident will receive a fixed stipend of INR. 30,000 per month to cover his/her living expenses.
  • The resident’s travel costs to and from his/her home address will be covered by the French Institute in India.
  • The resident should produce a minimum of 3 artworks during his/her stay at the Kalhath Institute.
  • The resident should be willing to participate in an open studio organized by the Kalhath Institute.
  • The resident is expected to produce a short report about his/her experience, in a free format, that could be published later on.

Eligibility criteria

  • The resident has to be autonomous and must have a working knowledge of English.