FLAME Creators Residency 2025

THEME - TRADIGITAL TRANCE | 03rd March - 03rd April, 2025

We are excited to invite you to the Fifth Edition of the FLAME Creators Residency at FLAME University, Pune, from 03rd March - 03rd April, 2025. This immersive, month-long residency is a unique opportunity for creators-whether artists, designers, performers, or digital innovators-to work, collaborate, and grow within FLAME’s dynamic ecosystem.

Why FLAME Creators Residency?

With the evolving nature of the creative world, the FLAME Creators Residency extends beyond traditional artistic boundaries. Formerly known as the FLAME Artist Residency, this program welcomes all who engage in creation, be it through visual arts, performance, design, digital media, or any other medium. We celebrate creativity in all its forms, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and an environment where diverse creative minds can flourish.

At FLAME, creativity meets intellectual curiosity, providing creators with a transformative platform to experiment, innovate, and refine their work. You’ll be part of a global community, united by the desire to explore and push the boundaries of art, culture, and technology.

One World for Traditional and Digital Art
The 2025 residency focuses on the theme “Tradigital Trance: One World for Traditional and Digital Art”-a captivating exploration of the fusion between time-honored artistic traditions and modern digital techniques. As digital transformation shapes every aspect of our world, this program challenges creators to engage with both past and present, preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation.

As a participant, you will explore the concept of Tradigital, a blend of traditional art techniques enhanced by digital tools. This exciting intersection will allow you to craft work that resonates across multiple mediums, reflecting both the rich heritage of human creativity and the limitless possibilities of digital technology.

Through Tradigital Trance, you can address the pressing question of how to keep traditional art forms alive in an increasingly digital world, and how digital mediums can become vehicles for their evolution.

The FLAME Experience
The FLAME Creators Residency is designed to offer an all-encompassing experience that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Here’s what you can expect:

• Creative Environment: A common studio space will be allocated with 7-day access. The campus offers a serene yet stimulating environment that encourages deep creative exploration.
• Comprehensive Support: We provide essential materials like clay, glaze, and access to gas kilns. You will also have full access to FLAME University’s maker’s lab, sculpture and visual arts studios, and the university library-resources designed to support your artistic journey.
• Workshops & Learning: You can take firing workshops, attend symposiums and visiting artist workshops within the program. You can also lead community or academic-based classes, with paid teaching opportunities. 
• Exhibition & Showcase: At the end of the residency, your work will be presented in a solo exhibition on the FLAME campus, providing invaluable exposure. You will receive ₹20,000 as production budget for material costs and other logistics involved in final exhibition. 

Expectations from Creators in Residence:

• Commit to the full one-month residency. 
• Dedicate 20 hours per week to your personal creative work. 
• Host one public workshop during the residency. 
• Deliver presentations to classes. 
• Actively participate in program events and collaborative projects with the FLAME community. 
• Contribute one piece of artwork to FLAME’s permanent collection at the end of the residency. 

Additional Benefits for Creators

• You will receive an honorarium of ₹40,000 for the residency
• FLAME University will cover travel expenses within India (to and from Pune), along with on-campus lodging and meals for the duration of your stay. The university operates on a vegetarian meal policy, fostering a shared, community-driven experience.
• The residency encourages collaborative projects and interdisciplinary work, fostering meaningful exchanges between creators from various backgrounds. The intersection of tradition and innovation will inspire you to experiment with new approaches and ideas.
• You will be part of an intellectually stimulating environment that supports artistic dialogue across disciplines.
• In addition to the solo exhibition, your work will gain visibility through the residency’s online presence, connecting you with a broader network of artists, creators, and patrons.

Eligibility and Application Process
We welcome applications from creators under 35 years old. Here’s how to apply:

• Expression of Interest: A two-page (max) document outlining your reasons for applying and how the residency aligns with your practice.
• Portfolio: Submit a PDF (max 5MB) showcasing your recent work, with links to your social media pages or website.
• Additional Documents for Visual or Performing Artists: A detailed CV, a creator statement (up to 500 words), and an outline of how you plan to use your time at FLAME University.

Documents can be submitted in either PDF or .doc formats.
Please send the following information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

• Resume: Include personal contact details.
• Creator Statement: A brief explanation of your creative practice.
• 10 Digital Images: Submit JPEG files (300 dpi, longest dimensions 7 inches/2100 pixels). Label images in this format: image number_first initial_last name (example: 1_j_smith.jpg). Images will be used for promotional purposes upon acceptance.
• Image List: Include the title, year, size, and medium/techniques used for each image.
• References: List three references with name, title, mailing and email addresses, and phone numbers. These may be contacted if you are selected as a finalist.
• There is no application fee.
• Successful applicants will be notified via email.

Important Dates:

International Applicants: Please note, FLAME University cannot sponsor creators with visas for this program.

About FLAME University
FLAME University, located in Pune, India, is the pioneer of liberal education in India. As one of the leading private universities in the country, FLAME offers a unique, interdisciplinary learning environment where creativity and intellectual curiosity thrive.

Spread across a scenic 70-acre campus, FLAME nurtures a culture of exploration, encouraging students to engage with diverse disciplines and tackle global challenges from multiple perspectives. Its mission is to develop critical thinkers and lifelong learners, empowering individuals to lead purposeful and impactful lives beyond conventional career paths.

The campus also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with programs such as “Kurukshetra” and “The FLAME Fest,” further enriching the student experience.

At its core, FLAME fosters an environment that encourages the fusion of creativity, academic rigor, and innovation, making it the ideal setting for the FLAME Creators Residency.

Past Residencies
FLAME University has hosted several successful residencies since 2018, welcoming creators such as Mrudula Kunatharaju, Lakshika Pandey, Digbijayee Khatua, and others. These programs have resulted in innovative projects that blend tradition with contemporary practices, contributing to FLAME’s vision of becoming a global hub for the arts.

Contact Us
For more information or queries, please reach out to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Faculty Coordinators: 
Dr. Arman Ovla (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 
Swayamsiddha Panigrahi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

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