Introducing Villa Swagatam
At the heart of this collaboration is Villa Swagatam, a flagship Indo-French residency programme launched in 2023. The name itself, combining the Sanskrit 'Swagatam' with the French 'Villa' concept for artistic hubs, signifies a welcoming space for creative
minds. Its core mission is to foster a dynamic network for artists, writers, designers, and researchers from France and South Asia to immerse themselves in new cultural environments. Spearheaded by the French Institute in India, this initiative moves beyond one-off events to build a permanent platform for artistic exchange, inspired by historical cultural figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Jean-Claude Carrière who bridged the two nations.
The Significance of '35'
The number in the headline refers to the 35 laureates selected for the fourth edition of the programme, which will run from August 2026 to August 2027. These 35 creative professionals were chosen from over 540 applicants, highlighting the growing interest in the initiative. They represent a diverse range of disciplines, including visual arts, dance, literature, graphic novels, and ceramics. This cohort of 35 individuals from France and India will participate in residencies lasting one to three months, becoming the next wave of 'cultural passeurs' or bridge-builders between the two creative ecosystems.
A Network, Not Just a Place
Unlike a single, centralized institution, Villa Swagatam operates as a decentralized network of nearly 30 partner organizations across France and South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. These partners range from residency spaces and cultural foundations to publishing houses and research institutes, each with strong local roots. This structure allows for a rich variety of experiences, tailored to specific artistic practices. For instance, a visual artist might engage with miniature painting traditions, while another explores marble craftsmanship in Kishangarh. This distributed model ensures deep, authentic engagement with local communities and art forms.
Reciprocity and Long-Term Vision
A key detail shaping this as a 'sustained collaboration' is the principle of reciprocity. Since 2024, the programme has ensured a two-way flow, with Indian laureates being hosted in France under the same framework as their French counterparts in India. This commitment to a balanced exchange is crucial for building a partnership of equals. The initiative is designed to be a catalyst for long-term relationships, not just a series of temporary visits. By creating an alumni network and fostering interdisciplinary projects, Villa Swagatam lays the groundwork for future collaborations that can evolve independently. The fourth edition is strategically aligned with the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, further cementing its role in the broader bilateral relationship.
The Creatives and Their Projects
The programme supports a wide array of talent. The latest cohort includes contemporary dancer Aishwarya Raut, who will develop new work at the Centre National de la Danse in Pantin, and novelist Shubhangi Swarup, who will investigate the ecological histories of the Indian Ocean from a residency in La Réunion. Visual artists like Kaanchi Chopra will explore wool-based practices in France, while author Khalid Jawed will delve into literary themes at Maison Julien Gracq. These projects often focus on contemporary issues through the lens of traditional knowledge, sustainability, and inter-cultural dialogue, demonstrating the depth and relevance of the exchanges being fostered.
