The Belgadia Palace X BEADS Residency Programme 2023-24: An Introduction and FAQs

At BEADS we embrace a novel approach, our initiative fosters art by nurturing a fresh perspective that inspires creative thinking and fuels the boundless power of imagination within the public. The highly anticipated The Belgadia Palace X BEADS Residency Programme is an unparalleled opportunity to expand one’s artistic horizons, collaborate with fellow creatives, and embark on a transformative journey.

The partnership between The Belgadia Palace, The Mayurbhanj Foundation, and the Bhubaneswar Experimental Art and Design Studio (BEADS) is a testament to the collective commitment towards sustainability, arts, and culture. The Mayurbhanj Foundation has long been dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Belgadia Palace and supporting various artistic endeavours. BEADS, a design studio based in Bhubaneswar, is known for its elegant, ethnically inspired, and environmentally friendly creations.

Join us as we dive into the details of this exceptional  programme designed to nurture and elevate your artistic practice.

The Belgadia Palace X BEADS Residency Concept

Craft has been ignored and under-appreciated. Because of the making process and the gender binaries inherently, several groups/intellectuals have eliminated it from consideration of the notion of Art practices, and it is now considered as a service. Crafts epitomise the pre-capitalist production of goods. A craft item’s worth was determined by its utility and necessity. The current form of mass manufacturing has dictated the use of labour and requisite skills in a brief amount of time. Because of the nature of the availability of inexpensive and dependable materials, craft items are being reduced to a curiosity or at best a peripheral requirement of our modern-day lives.

 Repurposing the making processes in order to evolve forms, develop new creative paradigms , so that craft clusters can become an inspiration for creativity and create possibilities for collaborations- is a key agenda of this residency programme. Also at multiple levels, this travelling residency  attempts to open spaces for accessibility to the idea of geographic, regional and historical differences at the intersection of Art, Craft, Design and Research. The aim is that, through working with different traditional art practices, different perspectives can be generated to think-through new modes of artistic thinking and broaden the collaborative possibilities.

Discover The Belgadia Palace X BEADS Residency Programme

Duration: 15th June 2023 to 1st July 2023

Location: The Belgadia Palace, Baripada and BEADS, Bhubaneswar.

1. A Haven of Inspiration:

Imagine yourself surrounded by awe-inspiring historic landscapes and a serene atmosphere that sparks creativity. Our first five days of the art residency are situated in The Belgadia Palace, a place that invites you to let go of inhibitions and delve into your artistic vision. Located in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India, it is a captivating architectural gem. Constructed in the colonial style, it showcases a splendid blend of European and Indian influences. With its intricate carvings, expansive gardens, and rich history as a royal residence, Belgadia Palace is a treasure that enchants visitors and celebrates cultural heritage.

BEADS, a renowned design studio recognized for its eco-friendly and culturally influenced products, will host the final segment of the art residency, spanning ten days. Known for its elegant craftsmanship, BEADS infuses the artistic realm with a distinct combination of sustainability and imaginative flair, creating a truly exceptional experience for participants.

2. State-of-the-Art Facilities:

At our art residency, we believe in providing artists with the best resources to bring their vision to life. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or multimedia artist, our facilities will cater to your needs and enable you to push the boundaries of your craft. You will have access to our well-equipped ceramic studio and necessary support required to make your vision come true.

3. Collaborate and Connect:

One of the most enriching aspects of our Art Residency  is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a diverse community. The participants can engage with the local artisans and explore the region’s craft clusters – sabai grass, Mayurbhanj. This engagement we hope will result in thought-provoking discussions, sharing of insights, and fostering collaborations that have the potential to evolve into exciting new projects. The power of collective creativity is boundless, and our programme aims to cultivate an environment where ideas flourish and collaborations thrive.

4. Guided by experts:

To truly excel in your artistic journey, guidance and mentorship from experienced artists, curators, and industry professionals are invaluable. Our Art Residency  provides you with access to mentors who will offer insights, critique your work, and help you refine your artistic practice. This mentorship will kindle new perspectives, challenge your creative boundaries, and propel your growth as an artist.

5. Showcasing Your Artistry:

As an artist, recognition and exposure are crucial. Through a curated open day,  our Art Residency programme provides a platform to present your work to a wider audience. This exposure can pave the way for meaningful connections with art enthusiasts, and galleries, creating prospects for your work to reach new heights.

Eligibility:

• Number of artists: One artist/ a collective (group of artists practising together).
• Practitioners from any field can apply for this residency .
• The applicant is to be an Indian Citizen and has been residing in India at the minimum for the last 2 years. Both, Individuals and Collectives are eligible to apply for this residency .

Details about The Belgadia Palace X BEADS Residency

The Belgadia Palace x BEADS Residency  Programme is being planned in two parts and two different cities in Odisha.

Part I at The Belgadia Palace

•  The selected Individual artist/ Collective will do a 5 days residency at The Belgadia Palace, Odisha
• During this period, the selected Individual artist/ Collective will have to plan and conduct a workshop with the traditional artists, working with Sabai Grass Craft of Odisha.

Possibilities to be explored in the workshop:

•  This workshop can be a space to introduce new techniques to the local artists to think of ways in which new forms of artistic engagement and production can be generated.
•  This workshop also can be a collaborative space, where Individual Artists/Collectives can introduce their artistic practice to think of new forms of artistic productions.

Note: The possibilities are just examples to introduce the scope of the workshop. The proposal of workshops can be extremely unique in their manner while incorporating unconventional ideas and thinking approaches.

During the Residency period, at The Belgadia Palace, Individual Artist/Collectives are expected to do their research and fieldwork for their proposed project.

Part II at BEADS

• After completing the residency at The Belgadia Palace, the individual artist/ collectives will be doing a 10-day residency at Bhubaneswar.
• During this period the individual/ collective will develop their proposed project.
• At the end of the residency period, the Individual Artist/ Collective will have an Open Day, at a gallery.

Facilities Provided

• Studio, accommodation, round-trip train fare, honorarium and support for the workshop will be provided as part of this programme, etc.

Artist honorarium and fees.

• The individual artist/ collective will receive an honorarium of INR 25000/- for the residency period.
• The individual artist/ collective will receive INR 10,000 /- towards conducting the workshop in Baripada

How to Apply:

If you’re eager to embark on this transformative artistic journey, we invite you to apply for The Belgadia Palace X BEADS Art Residency 

• A proposal, explaining their  interest for the residency  and the workshop to be conducted with Sabai Grass Artisans. (Word limit: 750 words)
• Your proposal needs to outline: 

• The project’s relevance to the local context and how it will engage and interact with diverse public
• Description of planned activities (discussions and workshop)
• Resource needs/ budget (to deliver the workshop)
• Please attach an updated resume and portfolio of 5-7 works or projects of your practice in the last year.
• All materials should be submitted via Google Drive to info@studiobead.com with subject heading ‘ Application for The Belgadia Palace x BEADS Residency me + artist/s name’
• Please do not print or courier any material for submission.
• The proposal can be written in both Odia/English languages. We encourage the participation of women and non-binary artists or artists who work on the concerns of women and the LGBTQ community.

Submit the required documents making sure to include your portfolio and artist statement. Be sure to highlight your passion, artistic journey, and why you believe this residency is a perfect fit for you.

Application Deadline: 5th June 2023

FAQs

1. If someone does not have a background in art or design, can they apply?

Yes. A formal degree in arts is not a requirement for application. We encourage self-taught artists or designers to apply as long as they have equivalent experience and active years of practice in related fields.

2. Are students at a university eligible to apply?

Unfortunately, this residency is aimed at graduated and emerging artists or multidisciplinary practitioners with equivalent experience.

3. What is required from the selected candidate during the residency ?

Selected candidates are expected to plan a presentation of their practice in The Belgadia Palace, deliver a collaborative workshop with the craft cluster in Baripada  and present their work and thoughts at an open-day in Bhubaneswar. Your proposal should clearly indicate plans and a timeline for all the above for the jury to evaluate the proposal.

4. What are the facilities and provisions during the residency ?

We will provide accommodations and travelling costs from the place of origin to the residency . We provide a 24×7 WiFi residency room, kitchen and access to a well-equipped ceramic studio. The honorarium of Rs 25,000 will be given to the artist in two phases over the period of the residency , to cover materials, open-day display and food. A separate budget of Rs 10,000 is allocated for the workshop at Baripada and will be provided once the artist reaches Belgadia Palace.

5. Are there any instructional guidelines to follow during the residency ?

This 15-day residency programme is divided into two parts. The first 5 days will be in The Belgadia Palace, Mayurbhanj, and the next 10 days will be at BEADS. The first 5 days at the Palace are more structured with a collaborative workshop with the craft cluster of sabai  grass. The artist or practitioner needs to provide a clear plan for this in the proposal.

At BEADS, Bhubaneswar, the format is more independent and unstructured. The artist or practitioner should allow and respond to the uncertainty of their whole process of work. This will be reflected at the Open Day. Moreover, the work can be in any form or medium, which eventually opens the possibility of tangible and intangible outcomes.

6. Who are the jury members?

All applications will be reviewed by jury members practising artists, curators, critics and other professionals in the selection process. Due to the high number of applications, we refrain from sharing jury feedback with any applicants.

7. Can collaborators, collectives or duos apply?

Yes, collaborators/collectives of two people can apply. Both are required to provide personal details, resumes and portfolios within a single application. The Production grant will remain the same and shall not be changed.

Statement Of Non-Discrimination:

We aim to create a healthy and safe creative place to provide a conducive atmosphere that accommodates artists, designers, thinkers and multidisciplinary practitioners from various circumstances and backgrounds. We are committed to the policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all people, regardless of colour, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physically challenged. BEADS will not tolerate any behaviour that has the indentation of intimidating or unreasonably interfering with any individual works by making an offensive & hostile environment.

Embark on a transformative artistic journey:

The Belgadia Palace x BEADS Residency programme is now accepting applications from artists in the field of contemporary art who are passionate about engaging with Odisha’s artistic and cultural heritage. Artists will have the unique opportunity to be part of a transformative experience that nurtures creativity, celebrates craftsmanship, and fosters cross-cultural collaborations. The programme seeks proposals for artworks and projects that emerge from encounters with the people, the land, and the culture, aspiring to create critical spaces that inspire reflection and dialogue.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity, expand your artistic practice, and connect with a vibrant artistic community. Apply now and let our Art Residency  be the catalyst for your artistic growth. Share this post with fellow artists who would benefit from this exceptional opportunity. Together, let’s champion the growth and empowerment of the artistic community!

You might also like to read about the “One Wall” residency program at BEADS.