The Serendipity Arts Residency 2026 Open Studio will open on 31 July at Serendipity Arts in Defence Colony, New Delhi, marking the culmination of the organisation’s three-month residency programme. The exhibition brings together six emerging artists whose newly developed projects span painting, sculpture, installation, textiles, sound and performance. The showcase will remain open to the public until 7 August 2026, excluding 2 August, and will include artist-led programmes designed to offer audiences insight into works still in development.
A Residency Focused on Research and Experimentation
Now in its ninth edition, the Serendipity Arts Residency provides emerging artists with time, studio space and mentorship to develop new ideas beyond conventional exhibition formats. Based in New Delhi, the three-month programme encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, critical dialogue and experimentation, culminating each year in an Open Studio rather than a traditional exhibition. According to Serendipity Arts, the residency is designed to support sustained artistic research while connecting participants with curators, critics and fellow practitioners.
Six Artists Explore Shared Questions
This year’s residents include Gopinath Kshetrimayum, Vanshika Rathore, Smiha Kapoor, Nirmal Mondal, Pratik Anil Sutar and Josefina Paz, who joins through the Villa Swagatam residency programme of the French Institute in India. While each artist works in a distinct medium, their projects collectively investigate memory, mythology, ecology, migration, labour, language and collective knowledge through contemporary artistic practice.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
- Abstract oil paintings examining memory and conflict by Gopinath Kshetrimayum.
- Ecological sculptural installations by Vanshika Rathore.
- Participatory performance and sound work by Smiha Kapoor.
- Ceramic installations inspired by Bengal’s folklore by Nirmal Mondal.
- Sculptures created from reclaimed industrial materials by Pratik Anil Sutar.
- Textile, drawing, sound and performance works exploring migration and belonging by Josefina Paz.
Process Takes Centre Stage
Rather than presenting only completed artworks, the Open Studio invites visitors into an active creative environment where artistic processes remain visible. Visitors will have opportunities to engage directly with the artists through:
- Artist walkthroughs
- Live performances
- Workshops
- Public conversations
A detailed programme schedule is expected to be announced separately by the organisers.
About Serendipity Arts
Serendipity Arts is a not-for-profit cultural organisation supporting artistic practice, education and cross-cultural exchange across South Asia and internationally. Alongside grants, commissions and residencies, it organises the annual Serendipity Arts Festival in Panjim, Goa, recognised as one of South Asia’s largest multidisciplinary arts festivals with free public access. The organisation has expanded its international collaborations in recent years through partnerships with institutions in Europe and the United Kingdom.
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Serendipity Arts Residency 2026 Open Studio |
| Artists | Gopinath Kshetrimayum, Vanshika Rathore, Smiha Kapoor, Nirmal Mondal, Pratik Anil Sutar, Josefina Paz |
| Venue | Serendipity Arts, C-340, Chetna Marg, Defence Colony, New Delhi |
| Preview | 31 July 2026 | 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (Registration & Invitation Only) |
| Exhibition Dates | 31 July–7 August 2026 (Closed on 2 August) |
| Timings | 11:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Organiser | Serendipity Arts |
| Entry | Preview by registration and invitation; exhibition open to visitors during public hours. |
| Website | https://serendipityarts.org |
For more information, visit Serendipity Arts or register for the preview through the official registration form.
Takeaway
The Serendipity Arts Residency 2026 Open Studio offers audiences an opportunity to encounter contemporary artistic practice at an early stage of development. By bringing together emerging artists working across multiple disciplines, the exhibition highlights the value of research, collaboration and experimentation within today’s cultural landscape. It also reinforces the role of artist residencies in supporting new voices and encouraging dialogue between artists and the public.
