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Launched in March 2023 during the official visit of French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna to New Delhi, Villa Swagatam was established as part of the roadmap commemorating the 25th anniversary of the France–India strategic partnership. Since its inception, the programme has supported nearly fifty artists and writers through one-to-three-month fully-funded residencies in India and France. Now in its third year, the programme includes Sri Lanka alongside India and Bangladesh, bringing together around thirty institutional partners and reinforcing France’s commitment to meaningful artistic and literary collaboration.
In 2025, Villa Swagatam also introduces a new residency track specifically for literary translators, in recognition of their pivotal role in cross-cultural dialogue. Across the region, the programme focuses on two core areas of bilateral cooperation: literature, and arts and crafts — disciplines rich in both heritage and contemporary innovation.
“Villa Swagatam reflects a shared desire to strengthen human exchange between our countries in a meaningful and sustained manner. The French Embassy in India acts as a catalyst to foster the emergence of new creative dialogues and to deepen mutual appreciation of our respective cultures.”
H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India
Villa Swagatam aims to create an international community of artists and writers who will become key players in renewing the cultural dialogue between France, India, and the rest of South Asia. The programme is inspired by figures who have historically bridged cultures, including Indian artist S.H. Raza, writer Rabindranath Tagore, French screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière, and theatre director Ariane Mnouchkine. Villa Swagatam promotes not only cultural engagement but also environmental sustainability, by encouraging longer-term residencies that allow artists to deeply engage with their host communities.
Villa Swagatam joins France’s prestigious international residency initiatives such as Villa Albertine in USA, Villa Kujoyama in Japan, Casa de Velázquez in Spain, and Villa Medici and Le Grand Tour in Italy. However, it stands out for its strong emphasis on reciprocity: since 2024, Indian laureates have been hosted in France under the same terms as their French counterparts in India. The programme operates through a decentralized network of regional partners — including residency spaces, publishing houses, and cultural foundations — selected for their innovative approaches and strong local roots.
Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle are open until Monday, 2 June 2025, at midnight (CEST). The programme is coordinated by the French Institute in India, in collaboration with a wide array of regional and international partners, and supported by the Institut Français. Applicants must be either French or Indian nationals, or individuals who have lived in France or India for over five years, regardless of citizenship. Selected residents receive international travel, visa fee reimbursement, a monthly stipend, accommodation, workspace, and production support. Each residency also includes outreach components such as workshops, school visits, and participation in festivals.
Learn more about the Villa Swagatam Residency Programme and apply here.
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