The French Institute in India has announced the selection of 35 laureates for the fourth edition of Villa Swagatam, its flagship Indo-French residency programme that will run from August 2026 to August 2027. Bringing together artists, designers, authors, translators, graphic novelists and researchers from France and South Asia, the initiative aims to strengthen artistic collaboration through one- to three-month residencies hosted by 30 partner institutions across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and France. The announcement comes as part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, which places cultural exchange and interdisciplinary innovation at the centre of bilateral cooperation.
A Cultural Bridge Between France and South Asia
Launched in 2023, Villa Swagatam has evolved into one of the key cultural exchange initiatives between France and India. The programme encourages participants to immerse themselves in new cultural environments while developing artistic and research-based projects. According to the organisers, this year’s edition received 540 applications, reflecting growing interest from creative practitioners in both countries. A notable trend was the strong participation of members of the Indian diaspora, many of whom continue to draw inspiration from India’s cultural traditions despite living and working abroad.
French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou described Villa Swagatam as a platform that encourages experimentation, dialogue and long-term cultural partnerships between France and South Asia.
Expanding Creative Practices
The 2026–27 edition introduces residencies that focus on craft traditions, sustainability and material research. Artists Kaanchi Chopra and Gargi Chandola will undertake residencies in France, exploring traditional craftsmanship alongside contemporary ecological practices. Meanwhile, artists Sophia Taillet and Vincent Voillat will work with marble artisans at StoneX Global in Kishangarh, while ceramic artist Ayantika Sajwal will undertake her first international residency at macLYON, experimenting with clay in Lyon’s ceramic ecosystem.
These residencies continue Villa Swagatam’s emphasis on connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary artistic practices through cross-cultural collaboration.
Highlights of the Programme
- 35 selected laureates from France and South Asia
- Residencies lasting one to three months
- 30 partner institutions across five countries
- Focus on innovation, sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026
Graphic Novels and Literature in Focus
Graphic storytelling forms one of the defining themes of this edition. French graphic novelist Pierre Dawance will undertake a residency in Bhutan, while Indian graphic novelists Mia Jose, Charbak Dipta, Debangshu Moulik and Vidyun Sabhaney will participate in residencies across France, including Angoulême, Lyon and Marseille.
The programme also supports literary exchange through residencies awarded to authors including Khalid Jawed, Jonaki Ray, Shubhangi Swarup and internationally acclaimed writer and filmmaker Atiq Rahimi, whose residency project explores a new screenplay inspired by his travels in India.
Research, Dance and Interdisciplinary Exchange
Beyond visual arts and literature, Villa Swagatam also supports research and performance. Contemporary dancer and choreographer Aishwarya Raut will develop a new work at the Centre National de la Danse in Pantin, while artist and curator Aastha Chauhan will undertake research at the Institut d’études avancées de Nantes. Novelist Shubhangi Swarup will become the programme’s first resident in La Réunion, examining ecological histories of the Indian Ocean through literature.
About Villa Swagatam
Villa Swagatam is an initiative of the French Institute in India that promotes long-term artistic collaboration between France and South Asia through a growing network of cultural institutions. The programme follows the French “Villa” model of international residencies and has expanded steadily since its launch, creating opportunities for artists to engage with local communities, crafts and knowledge systems while building enduring international partnerships.
Selected Laureate Highlights
- Ayantika Sajwal – macLYON, Lyon
- Aishwarya Raut – Centre National de la Danse, Pantin
- Shubhangi Swarup – LERKA × Banyan, La Réunion
- Mia Jose – Cité internationale de la bande dessinée, Angoulême
- Kaanchi Chopra – Manufactures Nationales, Paris & Sèvres
- Gargi Chandola – Fondation Thalie, Arles
| Olivier Liron | Marina Chiche | Cheyenne Olivier |
| Paul Greveillac | Frank Smith | Pierre Dawance |
| Atiq Rahimi | Sarah Maeght | Saena Delacroix |
| Kelly Eng | Marie Piplard | Colombine Jubert |
| Laëtitia Rouget | Martin Schepkens | Manuel Leromain |
| Erika Povilonyté | Jérémy Demester | Naomi Lulendo |
| Sophia Taillet | Vincent Voillat | Jonaki Ray |
| Mia Jose | Charbak Dipta | Khalid Jawed |
| Vidyun Sabhaney | Debangshu Moulik | Vasumathi Badrinathan |
| Aastha Chauhan | Shubhangi Swarup | Aishwarya Raut |
| Kirti Virmani | Kaanchi Chopra | Gargi Chandola |
| Ayantika Sajwal | Art Scribes Award × Prameya Art Foundation (TBD) |
Final Thoughts
The fourth edition of Villa Swagatam highlights how international cultural exchange can foster new artistic ideas while strengthening long-term relationships between France and South Asia. By bringing together practitioners from diverse disciplines, the programme continues to support dialogue, experimentation and shared learning across borders, contributing to a broader understanding of contemporary art and culture within an international context.
