Villa Swagatam - Indo-French cultural residency program

Residency brief

The Kalhath Institute, founded in 2016 by Maximiliano Modesti and Mohammed Amine Dadda, is the first training centre in India dedicated to the teaching, promotion and preservation of the art of embroidery, intended for artisans from Lucknow and its surrounding areas, in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

As part of its collaboration with Villa Swagatam (2026–2029), the Institute offers a “Residency for Immersion and Research”, which is aimed at artists wishing to discover a territory, a know-how and a cultural environment that they are not yet familiar with. The artist arrives within a deliberately open framework, with the objective of immersing themselves in the local artisanal ecosystem before any production.

In a context where crafts are often used without an understanding of their cultural depth, the “Residency for Immersion and Research” is conceived above all as an experimental laboratory dedicated to the exploration of the plastic potential of know-how. In direct contact with the artisanal resources of the Kalhath Institute, technical virtuosity, in embroidery, goes beyond simple execution to become a true medium of creation.

Driven by a genuine curiosity and based on a symbiotic exchange with artisans, this approach requires the artist to understand in depth the cultural and social contexts of the craft and of the artisan. It is thanks to this empathetic and deeply human approach that the experimentation of multiple material languages (silk threads, cotton, jute) unfolds. It allows the reinterpretation of tradition through new and collaborative contemporary works, thus opening new creative horizons.

The artisans of the Kalhath team specialise in hand embroidery; their know-how covers techniques such as Zardozi, Ari and many others, passed down from generation to generation. The resident is encouraged to use all the artisanal resources of Kalhath throughout the duration of their residency, within a symbiotic environment.

Recently, the Institute has hosted renowned creators such as T. Venkanna and Pauline Guerrier, in collaboration with the French Institute in India, who have brilliantly co-created works of art with its artisans.

Our Space

Lucknow is renowned for its magnificent historical heritage and its craft works. Considered one of the multicultural cities of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow has always been a fervent promoter of art and craftsmanship, whether it be chikankari, Zardosi or what have you.. Today, Lucknow is home to skilled artisans who create some of the finest handcrafted objects, renowned worldwide. Kalhath is strategically located in a historic bungalow in the Char Bagh district of Lucknow, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Residency conditions

An exceptional volume of work: up to 5,000 hours of hand embroidery carried out by artisans.
Cultural support in collaboration with local partners.
The resident will be required to produce at least three works of art during their stay at the Kalhath Institute. These works must be completed within the period of residency with care taken to ensure that proper planning is done by the artist towards this goal.
The resident will have access to a shared studio, as well as all the materials necessary for embroidery (threads, wool, base fabrics, needles, etc.).
The resident must be willing to dedicate up to 20% of their residency time to participating in various public-oriented events, such as open studios, conferences, performances, workshops, etc., organised by the Kalhath Institute or the French Institute in India.
The resident will be provided with accommodation.
The resident will receive three meals per day, as well as tea or coffee upon request.
At the end of the residency, the artist leaves with collaborative works that reflect the dialogue between contemporary creation and cultural heritage. As part of a process of transmission, the artist also leaves one work that will become part of the foundation’s collection for exhibition and archival purposes.
In addition, the resident will receive a fixed stipend of INR. 60 000 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.

Kalhath Institute

Production residency

Residency brief

Our Space

Residency conditions

Eligibility criteria

Past Laureates