Artist in Residence and Workshop Instructor (Ceramic)

Duration: 1st March – 30th June, 2024

Application Deadline: 1st December 2023

Dharamkot Studio invites applications for a unique artistic opportunity, combining an artist residency with a role as a part time Ceramic Workshops Instructor with a stipend INR20,000. It is a hybrid artist residency program which will allow space and time for ceramic artists to work on their own professional practice and at the same time working as pottery instructor at the studio.

For this position, we are looking for artists who aspire to have teaching as a part of their residency program. As a community art space hosting ceramic workshops, retreats and courses is an important part of the entire idea behind the studio. This residency program gives a space to the ceramic artists where they continue their artistic practice while dedicating 20 hours/week towards working as a part time instructor/assistant.

Art works made during the residency program will be sold/represented by the studio shop/ gallery only and artists will get 50% commission on sales.

Studio Provisions

Resident artists will receive comprehensive amenities including private accommodations, 3 meals daily (Friday to Wednesday), access to shared studio space, necessary materials and a monthly stipend of INR 20,000/-.

Studio is equipped with stoneware and terracotta clay, slab roller, pottery wheels, electric and gas kilns suitable for medium-sized artworks, firing up to 1200°C. Any specific material or tool requirements will be accommodated upon request.

Who can Apply?

We welcome applications from individuals who demonstrate the following:

Minimum of 3 years of full-time experience in ceramics, showcasing expertise in hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing techniques.
Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude towards teamwork and interaction.
Prior involvement in organising or assisting pottery workshops.
A clear and well-defined plan for your proposed contributions during the residency period.

Residency Life and Workshops

At Dharamkot Studio, we predominantly host engaging workshops focused on hand building and wheel throwing, occasionally incorporating glazing techniques. These sessions cater to beginners and intermediate-level participants, emphasising a balance of ease and enjoyment in learning. A comprehensive one-week training program at the outset will ensure seamless integration into our studio’s ethos and practices. All the workshops, retreat and courses details can be find on the website for a better understanding.

Selection Process and Application Details:

Interested applicants are requested to submit their comprehensive application package, including:-

Portfolio, CV, Website or social media links, Two reference letters, Artist Statement, Artist bio and Details about the work you are going to do during the residency program, with the references/images/drawings, dimensions, materials and prices of the artwork and what will be the approximate value of these art pieces. Make it as clear as possible because it’s going to be the key factor for the selection. All Submissions are to be sent to residency@dharamkotstudio.com Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a video interview to finalise the selection process.

Selection process The selection process will primarily evaluate your proposed artistic endeavours, assessing the clarity of your concepts, proficiency in the chosen techniques, pricing strategies, communication skills and prior experience in instructional roles.

Itinerary

	ACTIVITY
	Day 1 (Friday) - Today, you will arrive in the serene village of Dharamkot. We recommend you check-in to our Studio latest by 12PM, though checkin time is till 2PM. After settling-in to your rooms, you will be served lunch at the cafeteria. At 4 PM, you will start with your first workshop “An Introduction to Pottery”. This workshop will take about 2.5 to 3 hrs. At night, you will indulge in dinner (possibly around a bonfire depending on weather) and then relax.
	Day 2 (Saturday) - Today, you will start your day with a warm cup of tea & Nature Walk to Naddi. The trail meanders through the forests, offering stunning views of the valley below and the distant mountain ranges. On returning, you will be served a sumptuous breakfast in our cafe. At around 11 AM, you will head to the Studio for your second workshop. Today we will split the group in two batches for personalised attention to all participants. One group will attend the “Hand-building- pinching” workshop and the other will learn the “Intro to Pottery Wheel” workshop. Each workshop will take about 2.5 hrs. Then you will break for lunch. Post-lunch, you will take the second workshop from the above two, depending on what you did in the morning. Wrap up your dinner at our cafe.
	Day 3 (Sunday) - Today is a mix of learning and exploration! After breakfast, you will attend the fourth workshop on “Texturing/Surface Decoration”. Then after lunch, you will start your local sightseeing tour. Our expert local guides will take you to the Dalai Lama Temple, St. John’s in the Wilderness Church and the Mcleodganj Market. Take time to experience the spiritual energy of Dharamshala. You can either return to the Studio with our guide in a cab which departs by 6 PM or stay longer and take a taxi back. Dinner will be served in the evening but you can also explore one of the many restaurants/ bars in Mcleodganj.
	Day 4 (Monday) - You will begin the day with yoga/meditation at one of the many renowned yoga studios in Dharamkot. Then, head back to the Studio for breakfast and another day of pottery learning. You will now learn the advanced techniques in pottery making in your fifth and sixth art sessions. We will again split the group in two batches for personalised attention to all participants. One group will attend the “Advanced Hand-building- Slab/coiling method” workshop and the other will learn the “Wheel Throwing/ Shaping Technique” workshop. Each workshop will take about 2.5 hrs. Then you will break for lunch. Post-lunch, you will take the second workshop from the above two, depending on what you did in the morning. Wrap up your dinner at our cafe. By now you must have made friends with instructors and other participants, so we are sure you have some amazing conversations.
	Day 5 (Tuesday) - You will begin the day with another session of yoga/meditation. Then, head back to the Studio for breakfast. You will now attend the last and seventh art session on “ surface decoration with Coloured Under-Glazes”. The session will be of 2.5 hrs. After lunch, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can pick your favourite thing to do today…finish off your artwork with some guidance from our instructors, head out and take a hike, go shopping, spend a lazy day in a cafe, walk around the flag point for sunset…the choices are endless. We will see you back at the Studio at 7 PM for our farewell dinner.
	Day 6 (Wednesday) - Today is the day we bid adieu! After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and gaze at the Dhauladhar range for one last time till we see you again. The check-out is at 11 AM.

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Painting - Itinerary

INCLUDED	NOT INCLUDED
5 nights accommodation	Airfare
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)	Alcohol
Pottery Sessions	Courier charges for shipping Art pieces you create
Half- Day tour to Mcleodgunj	Bank fee/ Money exchange fee/ Other payment charges
Nature walk, Yoga/Meditation Sessions	Laundry
Art Supplies

	ACTIVITY
	Day 1: Arrive for check-in before 2 pm, allowing yourself to acclimate to the retreat atmosphere. Explore your surroundings, connect with fellow participants, and commence your artistic journey with the first session from 4 pm to 6:30 pm(Charcoal). Evening relaxation and dinner.
	Day 2: Wake up with leisure. 11:30 am: Your Thangka workshop will start. Workshop will continue till 2:00 pm. 2:00 PM: Drive to Norbulingka. Norbulingka is a self-sustaining community, where all members contribute to the larger vision of preserving Tibetan culture through the arts. It is a delight for travelers to see various Tibetan art forms such as paintings and woodwork. Have lunch at one of the few restaurants at Norbulingka and explore the premises. 5:30 pm drive back to your hotel. Evening relaxation and dinner.
	Day 3: (8:00 to 9:00 am) Start your day with yoga/meditation (8:00 to 9:00 am) (11:00 am-1:30 pm) After breakfast, Acrylic pouring workshop at Dharamkot Studio- 2 (7 minutes walk from the hotel). After lunch at the studio, you’ll meet your guide who’ll take you for a walk and exploration of Mcleodganj. Take a beautiful walk around Dalai Lama Temple, explore cafes and shop if you wish. Our guide will be with you till 6 pm. After that, you can return to stay or get cozy in one of the many cafes of Mcleodganj. The distance between Mcleodganj and your stay is just 2-3 km from the hotel.
	Day 4: (9:00 to 10:00 am) Start your day with yoga/meditation. (11:30am to 3:00pm) Kangra Painting workshop After the session, walk back to your stay, have lunch, and relax for a while. (5:00- 6:30 pm) Nature hike to the sunset viewpoint with the guide. Return to the comfort of your stay in the evening and then enjoy the night as you wish.
	Day 5: (8:30 to 9:30 am): Sound healing. (11:00 am-1:30 pm) After breakfast, Paint on Pottery workshop at Dharamkot Studio- 1 (7 minutes walk from the hotel). After the session, you’re free to explore and spend your day as you desire. Indulge in walks, cafe hopping, or shopping.
	Day 6: As the retreat concludes, savor a moment to absorb the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar ranges. Check-out is at 11 am after a satisfying breakfast.