Introducing Villa Swagatam
The initiative at the heart of this growing connection is Villa Swagatam, a flagship Indo-French residency programme. Launched in March 2023, it was designed by the French Institute in India to foster deep, long-term creative dialogue between France and
South Asia. The headline's '35-Creative' refers to the cohort selected for the fourth edition, running from August 2026 to August 2027. This group of artists, writers, designers, and researchers follows nearly 100 residents who have participated in the first three editions. The programme provides fully-funded residencies lasting one to three months, allowing participants to immerse themselves in a new cultural environment.
A Network, Not Just a Building
Unlike traditional residency programmes centered on a single location, Villa Swagatam operates as a sprawling network. It involves around 30 partner institutions across France, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. In India, partners include organisations like Jaipur Rugs, Hampi Art Labs, and the Kalhath Institute in Lucknow. This decentralised model allows for a diverse range of experiences, embedding creatives in local ecosystems. For example, a ceramist might experiment with new techniques in Lyon, while a graphic novelist from France explores traditional storytelling forms in India. This structure is built on agility and reciprocity, ensuring the exchange is a two-way street.
Building Bridges Through Art
The core mission of Villa Swagatam is to create what the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Thierry Mathou, calls 'cultural passeurs' — individuals who build bridges between practices, places, and perspectives. The programme focuses primarily on two streams rich with heritage and innovation: literature and arts and crafts. For its fourth edition, which is part of the 'India-France Year of Innovation 2026', a key emphasis is on interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainability. Projects often engage with traditional knowledge systems and contemporary ecological issues. For instance, Indian artist Kaanchi Chopra will explore wool-based practices in France, while novelist Shubhangi Swarup's residency in La Réunion focuses on the ecological histories of the Indian Ocean.
Reciprocity and Long-Term Impact
A crucial evolution of the programme is its principle of reciprocity. Since 2024, Villa Swagatam has ensured that Indian creatives are also hosted in France under the same framework, creating a balanced, bilateral dynamic. This has been a significant development, moving away from a one-way flow of artists. The impact extends far beyond the residency period. Organisers note that many participants return to their host countries to collaborate, publish, and exhibit their work, building an enduring Indo-French cultural ecosystem rooted in shared creation. The growing interest is evident; the fourth edition received over 540 applications, with a notable increase from the Indian diaspora.
Meet the New Cohort
The newly announced group of 35 creatives for 2026-27 reflects the programme's diversity. The cohort includes contemporary dancer Aishwarya Raut, visual artists Gargi Chandola, and graphic novelists like Mia Jose and Charbak Dipta from India. They are joined by French participants such as artist Vincent Voillat and graphic novelist Pierre Dawance. Their projects are deeply embedded in the spirit of exchange. For example, artists Sophia Taillet and Vincent Voillat will engage with marble craftsmanship in Kishangarh, while ceramist Ayantika Sajwal undertakes her first international residency in Lyon to explore ceramics as a cultural archive. These individual journeys collectively contribute to a powerful current of cross-cultural innovation.
