Located in the historic village of Ngawal at 3,675 metres, Nepal’s Manang Artist Residency offers artists a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Himalayan culture, explore new creative practices, and develop work surrounded by one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.
The Manang Artist Residency, located within the Annapurna Sanctuary in the historic village of Ngawal in northern Nepal, is one of the most distinctive artist residencies in the world. At an altitude of 3675 metres, it’s a place where ancient Himalayan traditions, sacred landscapes and modern trekking adventures come together. The residency encourages artists to immerse themselves in the traditional culture of the Manang region and to respond to this remarkable location through their creative practice. The programme aims to introduce participants to the local culture through periodic excursions, daily interactions with locals, and a cultural briefing upon arrival.
Founded in 2024 by Nepali architect Amar Gurung and Australian artist Jo Rankine, the artist-owned space offers creatives a unique opportunity to deepen their connections to self, place, personal practice, and community. Open to practitioners across disciplines — including visual arts, photography, filmmaking, writing, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, music, performing arts, and environmental or cultural research — the residency accommodates up to nine artists at a time, twice a year, to suit the high-altitude conditions. The residency space includes six private indoor studios, a communal studio with a fireplace and adjoining rooms, and an outdoor courtyard for larger or weather-dependent projects. The shared dining space can also be used for writing, drawing, and laptop-based work. Stays range from two to six weeks, with longer durations possible by arrangement with the hosts.
The residency fee is USD $200 per week, which includes breakfast. Residents are responsible for their travel, materials, and additional expenses. While lunch and dinner can be arranged through local cafés, restaurants, or the accommodation’s menu, participants are encouraged to bring any specific food supplies or personal necessities from Kathmandu, as access to shops and provisions in Ngawal is limited.
The upcoming residency editions include the Spring 2027 session from 1 April to 27 May and the Autumn 2027 session from 1 October to 26 November. With its combination of Himalayan landscapes, cultural immersion, and creative solitude, the Manang Artist Residency offers artists a rare chance to step away from urban chaos and develop work in dialogue with one of the world’s most extraordinary environments.
Follow @manang.artist.residency on Instagram, and learn more about the residency here.
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