Kalhath Institute

Production residency

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 material, ranging from silk and cotton thread to natural materials like jute and the like, while retaining the distinctive characteristics of both.

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 resident is 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 - in collaboration with the French Institute in India - create artworks with their artisans.

  • Thematic focus Arts & Crafts (textile, embroidery)
  • LocationChar Bach area, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Dates From September 2024 to December 2024
  • Length of stay 3 months
  • Apply Now

Our Space

Lucknow, the golden city of the east, has been celebrated for its magnificent historical heritage and handicraft works. Regarded as one of the multicultural cities of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow has always been a fervent promoter of art and craft, be it Chikankari, Zardozi or Zarbuland. Today, Lucknow is home to skilled artisans who create some of the finest handicrafts which are famous 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 should produce a minimum of 3 artworks during his/her stay at the Kalhath Institute.
  • 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 should be willing to give up to 20% of his/her residency time to participate in various public engagement events such as open studios, talks, performances, workshops, etc. organized by Kalhath Institute or the French Institute in India.
  • 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 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 will receive a residency grant of INR. 50 000 per month.
  • The resident’s travel costs to and from his/her home address will be covered by the French Institute in India.

Eligibility criteria

  • Proficiency in English is required for the applicant.