Khoj International Artists’ Association began in 1997, providing the possibility for young local practitioners to create an open-ended, experimental space for themselves on their own terms in Khirki, New Delhi.

Khoj has built an international reputation for outstanding alternative arts incubation. Today, Khoj plays a central role in the development of experimental, interdisciplinary and critical contemporary art practice in India, constantly challenging the established thinking about art.

An urban village founded in the 13th Century, Khirki is known for its beautiful Masjid (mosque) built in 1380 AD. Juxtaposed against this historic landmark, the vibrancy of urban Delhi spills through the labyrinthine streets of Khirki, and onto Khoj’s doorstep. Since 2012, the Khoj facilities have been updated to accommodate more audiences, programs, and possibilities while keeping the essence of the space intact.

Australia Council is partnering with Khoj to offer one visual artist a month long residency at Khoj in August 2017. For the pilot residency, Khoj will provide an air-conditioned bedroom with an attached bathroom, spacious kitchenette and lounge, all available Studio facilities and equipment at Khoj, as well as use of the in-house library, media lab, and Khoj exhibition spaces.

Khoj will also offer a wide range of services to resident artists, including:

Curatorial support in the implementation of artists’ projects and assistance in traversing the Indian arts scene;
Opportunities to show work in the Khoj exhibition space(s) at the conclusion of the residency period;
Organising an open studio event for the wider New Delhi community where the artist can network and present works developed in residence;
Establishing contacts with Indian curators, critics, publicists, academics, gallery owners and collectors.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for Australian artists to apply for a Khoj residency, from 1 – 31 August 2017. One Australian artist will be selected and awarded a $3 000 grant as living and travel allowance.

Eligibility

Please check the general eligibility requirements on the Australia Council website.

Selection Criteria

You are required to respond to the following selection criteria:

1. Potential of the artist/artists

Industry advisers will consider the potential of the artist/artists at the centre of your proposal.

They may consider:

Quality of work previously produced
Artistic merit
Ability, skills and creative thinking that suggests strong artistic potential
Public or peer response to work previously produced.

2. Viability

Industry advisers will consider the viability of your proposal. They may consider:

The skills and artistic ability of the people involved and their relevance to the proposed activity
Realistic and achievable planning, resource use and evaluation
Fees payable to artists involved
The timetable and budget
The role of any partners involved, including confirmation of their involvement
Diversity and scale of income and co-funding – including earned income, grants, sponsorship and in-kind contributions
Proposals which involve working with diverse audiences or communities, peers will look for demonstrated cultural competencies and appropriateness.

3. Impact on career

Industry advisers will consider the impact the proposed activity will have on your career. They may consider:

How the proposed activity strengthens your artistic practice
The relevance and timeliness of the proposed activity
How the proposed activity enables you to discover and develop new markets, or meet existing market demand
How the proposed activity strengthens your capacity as an arts professional.

Supporting material

Additional material can be submitted to help support your expression of interest, including artist biographies, letters of support, additional written material, images, and video footage of previous work. Support material may help industry advisers gain an understanding of the quality of your work, and where relevant, the skills and role of other artists or partners involved.

You are not required to submit a budget with your expression of interest.

Selection process

Industry advisers will consider Expressions of Interest according to the selection criteria above and make recommendations to the Australia Council’s International Projects Team. You will be informed of the outcome of your expressions of interest by mid December 2016.

Click Here to  submit an Expression of Interest

Note, this is an expression of interest and not a grant application. It does not count as an application to the Australia Council Grants Program.

Contact

To discuss your expression of interest, please contact Sanja Simic, Project Officer Residencies on 02 9215 9336 or s.simic@australiacouncil.gov.au.