Between 2021 and 2025, UNNATI hosted nine artist residencies, bringing together 45 national and international artists and artisans to explore diverse artistic disciplines and cultural practices rooted in Nepal’s heritage. These residencies served as platforms for skill enhancement, cross-cultural collaboration, and creative exploration, while fostering deeper engagement with local communities and contexts.
Handmade History III |Refined Fibre | Pulp Functional
March 20–29, 2025
The third edition of Handmade History brought together four Indian artists-in-residence—Akhilesh, Dileep Sharma, Sheetal Gattani, and Vanita Gupta—for a ten-day exploration of fiber and pulp-based practices. Under the themes Refined Fibre and Pulp Functional, the program highlighted contemporary approaches to handmade processes through material experimentation and artistic dialogue.
5 – Days Artist Residency with Shampa Sircar Das at Unnati
08th to 13th Feb 2025
UNNATI hosted a 5-day Artist Residency for renowned Indian contemporary artist Ms. Shampa Sircar Das, celebrated for her work inspired by Indian folk and tribal art.
Deeply influenced by her extensive travels and engagement with India’s rural landscapes, Shampa’s art explores cultural symbolism, weaving together philosophy, aesthetics, and technique. Her works are rich in visual language, reflecting a deep connection to India’s spiritual and natural heritage.
This residency offered a meaningful exchange of artistic insights and strengthened cultural ties between India and Nepal through shared traditions and creative exploration.
In a unique 10-day residency, UNNATI Cultural Village opened its doors to Nepali artist Subima Shrestha. A Kathak dance artist, choreographer, and art educator, Subima collaborated with Tharu musicians, dancers, and storytellers during her residency. Their collective efforts culminated in a mesmerizing final piece deeply rooted in Tharu folk stories.
Organizer: Echoes in the Valley Artist: Subima Shrestha Location: UCV
With a broader vision to enhance the state of ceramic and pottery in Nepal, UNNATI Cultural Village initiated the International Ceramic Residency program. This effort seeks to determine a viable production line for UNNATI Bazaar, contributing to the region’s improvement and sustainability of ceramic art.
Artists: Bipasha Sen Gupta & Shruti Mascarenhas (For India), 6 Potters from Bhaktapur and Kapilvastu, 1 Ceramic and Location: UCV Total artwork value: Worth Rs 34 lakhs Samanta Location: UCV
UNNATI Cultural Village opened its doors to ceramic artists from around the globe in an International Ceramic Symposium with 7 seven international artist from including 3 form Thailand, 2 form Germany, and one form Latvia, and Australia respectively . The artists contributed to the open-air museum with installations based on the theme of harmony, adding a global perspective to the village’s artistic landscape.
A residency focused on celebrating the essence of rural beauty in Tharu village life brought together Nepali photographers and videographers. The artists collaborated to create impactful visual narratives, serving as both a celebration of rural life and a vital preservation initiative.
Handmade History II Surviving & Extincted | Material & Matter
24 Jun - 14 Jul 2022
In the vibrant heart of Kathmandu, UNNATI Cultural Village hosted three Indian and two Nepali artists-in- residency. The residency provided a dynamic ambiance for artistic exploration, fostering creativity and collaboration among the diverse pool of talent.
Collaboration
Raza Foundation
Artists
Three Indian and two Nepali artists Pratul Dash | Ravi Kumar Kashi | M Pravat | Rashmi Amatya | Bijaya Maharjan
Handmade History I Knotting & Expanding | Lost & Found
UNNATI Cultural Village played host to five Indian artists-in-residence, transcending borders to explore commonalities in transformation and preservation. Through workshops, dialogues, and community engagement, the program aimed to build robust networks and foster cultural connections within the Nepali community.
Collaboration
Raza Foundation
Artists
Manish Pushkale (Curator) | Amitava Das | RM Palaniappan | Manish Pushkale | Wahida Ahmed | Tanmoy Samanta
A cross-border collaboration unfolded as Bangladeshi and Nepali ceramic artists immersed themselves in a residency, crafting installations for UNNATI Cultural Village. The exchange not only fostered artistic synergy but also added unique ceramic installations to the cultural landscape of the village.
