Deadline: Ongoing
We are proud to present the Artudio International Artist Residency Program (AIAR)— an artists-built, artists-led ecosystem operating on a sustainable model designed to support rigorous, long-term creative inquiry. Situated in Nepal, where ancestral knowledge intersects with contemporary discourse, this residency offers a reflective yet critically charged space for research, experimentation, and artistic evolution.
Conceived and sustained by practicing artists, the program is self-directed, enabling each resident to construct their own trajectory, methodologies, and modes of production. This process unfolds in close conversation with Artudio’s curatorial team, fostering an exchange that is both critically engaged and contextually grounded.
Embedded within Nepal’s multilayered cultural fabric and its charged spiritual and environmental landscape, the residency invites artists to work beyond the studio — to engage with place, community, material, and history as active collaborators.
Here, artists aren’t simply making work; they are entering a living, artist-driven infrastructure where practice, dialogue, and sustainability converge to shape new possibilities for contemporary art.
At Artudio, we are committed to building a sustainable global art ecosystem — one that connects international artists with Nepal’s profound cultural, spiritual, and artistic ecosystem. Through this residency, artists are not only offered the time and space to create but are also invited to forge lasting relationships with people, place, and practice that resonate beyond borders.
Here, you will have the opportunity to:
We strive to maintain a stimulating, open, and accessible environment, offering affordable residency fees while ensuring a fulfilling and immersive experience. We are confident that your time with us will be transformative and unforgettable, propelling your artistic journey forward.
Our Main Space is situated in Swoyambhu-15, Kathmandu, Nepal, where the harmonious blend of nature and urban life fosters an inspiring environment for creativity and reflection. Just a short distance away is the Swayambhunath Mahachaitya, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site with deep historical and cultural significance. Known for its profound spiritual importance, this sacred site offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and serves as a symbolic gateway to the valley’s cultural heart.
The stupa, believed to be over 2,000 years old, stands as a living testament to Nepal’s ancient Buddhist heritage, drawing pilgrims from around the world. Swayambhunath is not only a major center for Buddhist worship but also a place where interfaith dialogue thrives, as both Buddhists and Hindus coexist in harmony. While commonly referred to by tourists as the “Monkey Temple,” this nickname overlooks the stupa’s true essence—a sacred site rich in mythological, historical, and religious significance. According to legend, the Bodhisattva Manjushri drained the ancient lake that once covered the Kathmandu Valley, and the stupa is believed to have been self-created. Today, it stands as a monument to Nepal’s spiritual, cultural, and artistic heritage, adorned with countless shrines, sculptures, and intricate carvings that reflect the country’s deep connection to the divine.
Our location offers easy access to the Kathmandu ring road, just a 7-minute walk away, ensuring smooth connectivity to the rest of the city. Artudio is also a mere 5-minute walk from the ring road, offering easy access to Kathmandu’s major attractions and amenities. Tribhuvan International Airport is just 8.5 km away, simplifying international travel for visiting artists.
For those eager to explore Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage, our vicinity is home to three remarkable museums:
Nearby hiking spots, such as Ichangu Narayan, Nagarjuna Hills, and Jamacho Hills, offer panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, providing an ideal retreat for creative reflection and inspiration amidst nature’s tranquility.
Artudio is located just 2.3 km from the Kathmandu Durbar Square and 7 km from Patan Durbar Square, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are steeped in history, architectural brilliance, and cultural significance.
The area is home to renowned Buddhist monasteries, including:
These monasteries contribute to the serene, spiritual ambiance of the residency, offering an enriching experience for the soul.
Artudio is close to vibrant areas like:
These locations allow artists to explore diverse facets of Kathmandu’s culture and history, adding a dynamic layer to their residency experience.
Staying at Artudio allows you to embrace both the tranquility of nature and the richness of Kathmandu’s cultural landscape, making it the ideal place for artists, researchers, and explorers. Immerse yourself in Nepal’s timeless charm and begin your creative journey here!
Our Patan wing is located within the Patan World Heritage Site, at Nakabahil, right next to the historic Patan Gate (Patan Dhoka).
Nearby landmarks include:
Artists are welcome to bring one companion—either a family member or partner—for an additional $10 per day.
All residency fees are to be settled upon arrival at the residency.
🇳🇵 Kathmandu — Swoyambhu (Swayambhunath Area)
🇳🇵 Patan — Artudio Patan Wing (Nakabahil, Patan, Lalitpur-16)
Additional Facilities Included at Both Locations
We welcome visionary thinkers and contemporary artists from around the globe, spanning diverse disciplines including:
Open year-round (rolling admissions). Apply now to secure your spot for 2026/27.
We look forward to welcoming you to Artudio’s vibrant contemporary art and cultural community in the heart of Kathmandu city for a transformative artistic journey.
Let the transformative power of art amaze you with the exclusive inaugural Artudio Residency Program 2023. Two young Nepali artists, Suchin Shrestha and Kiran Shrestha, have been selected for a 5-month residency program to support their art practice. Here is an Open Studio video beautifully crafted by Khojpatra that you can watch. Immerse yourself in the limitless possibilities offered by the innovative and diverse community of resident talents. Their masterpieces are showcased in this stunning video, witnessing the vibrant fusion of artistic expression and creativity that will reignite your own passion for art. This inspiring video encapsulates the very essence of our dynamic residency, offering you a front-row seat to the boundless potential for creative exploration that lies within it. Allow yourself to be captivated by the power of art as you explore the transformative world of the Artudio Residency program. Press play and let the magic unfold before your eyes!
Discover more about our past residencies here.
Youri Alvites has been obsessed with drawing and painting ever since he was young. Being on the road in solitude and in search of archetypical forms, had let him create story’s through cryptic shapes and an unconstrained technique. Simultaneously flirting with big city life, flashy streets and endless bars, thinking about the New York school, DADA, DIY culture, and advertisements. These contrasting topics interact in a new way, by referring to a place forever in motion. By applying, removing, covering and painting over illustrative building blocks, these elements combined, speak a language. Enhancing mistakes and coincidences is an essential part of this process. Living in these fast and complicated times, had let Youri rethink about community and ways to reconnect with one and each other though art.
Witness the power of art to unite communities and inspire creativity. The Dolakha Album, a community homestay art residency program was a truly transformative experience curated by Kailash K Shrestha, artist and founder, Director of Artudio. From May 3rd to 10th, 2016, talented Nepali contemporary artists, including Sujan Dangol, Surendra Maharjan, Sandhya Silwal, Rajan Shrestha, and Abhimanyu Dixit, were brought together for a community homestay art residency in Gairimudi, Dolakha. But they weren’t alone – artists from the Global Art Collective also joined in for a community sculpture burn. This residency showcased how art can bring diverse minds together and create something truly beautiful. Let’s be inspired to pursue our passions and use our talents to build bridges and connect with others. The possibilities are endless when creativity leads the way.
Sujan Dangol is multimedia artists who believes that “Art cannot be manufactured but it comes as a true gift from people to people”. He has had his two Solo exhibitions ” Utopia 2.0″ and Through My Stories” in 2012 and 2013 fespectively. He was also awarded the Australian Himalayan foundation Award in 2013. Dangol’s artworks comes from what he sees and hears which transfroms into what he feels at different periods of time.
Rajan Shrestha is a multimedia artist working primarily with music, photography and videography following closely. Shrestha is keen about digital media and its artistic, as well as pragmatic implications. Bassist /co-producer for a Kathmandu based post-alternative band, Jindabad, he finds his new interest in audience participation based interactive art and electronics.
Abhimanyu dixit believes in cinema and believes that all kinds of films should be made. He does not differentiate between fiction and non-fiction or long and short: he is a film maker and the co-founder of one of Nepal’s fastest growing contemporary cinema company- Gauthali ‘Ent. In the field of cinema, he has produced two feature films, directed numerous shorts -both fiction and not -fiction and is also a mass media scholar and educator.
Sandhya Silwal is a working viusal artist. She has had two solo exhibitions, ‘Blissful Entanglement’ and ‘Journey’. Recently , she exhibited her art works in Siddhartha Art Gallery along with four other artists which was the outcome of an Art Residency scholarship, awarded in 2015 by Kathmandu Contemporary Arts Center. Ms. Silwal’s artworks are enriched with patterns as well as metaphorical figures. She enjoys experimenting with different materials and techniques. She is also an art instructor at Ullens School.
Surendra Maharjan is printmaking artist. He was also Awarded the Australian Himalayan Foundation Award in 2015 and the recipient of the Prashant Memorial Scholarship in 2008 and 2012. He has participated in several printmaking workshops and exhibitions.
Chhabi Bahadur Shrestha is a local artisan and farmer from Gairimudi 8, Dolakha. From a young age, he has been an active bamboo weaving artisan. He enjoys weaving Dok0s, Phulgos, Chapani and Chitras for his community’s daily use. Shrestha has not recognized his skills were a form of art till Dolakha Album created a platform.
Kailash K shrestha is contemporary visual artist and Founder of Artudio, Centre for Visual Art. He is the curator for Dolakha album. His several years of art practices have employed a variety of visual languages. engagements and initiatives to create narratives that are both personal and relatable. The local identity in the global context is the center of focuses in his art approach that demands diverse engagements and mediums. He received 1st Himalayan Art Award from Australian Himalayan Foundation and has featured in various Art Festivals, Biennials and triennials including KIAF, Asian Art Biennale and Kathmandu Triennial and more with several national and international solo and group shows.
