Vedaaranya Artists’ Learning and Development Opportunity at Ramgarh Shekhawati Rajasthan

12 August 2026

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is has announced the continuation of the Vedaaranya Artists’ Learning and Development Opportunity at Ramgarh Shekhawati Rajasthan, in association with the British Council and the Shruti Foundation. In 2027, the Learning and Development Opportunity is open to artists of most disciplines but is particularly suited to visual artists, craftspeople and designers working in textiles and jewellery, dance, music and theatre to fit with priorities, traditions and developments in the location.

ACNI can offer a one-month Learning and Development Opportunity in the historic town of Ramgarh Shekhawati in the princely state of Rajasthan, founded in 1791, which was one of the richest towns in 19th century India. This is a historic urban landscape (HUL) region of India. The Learning and Development Opportunity is not a structured programme but is rather an opportunity travel to/ within India and be immersed in unique cultural experiences that can foster creativity, encourage artistic exploration and inspiration. While the host can help with orientation, the individual will need to be flexible, self-motivated, resourceful and ultimately able to use initiative to maximise this learning and development opportunity.

The selected artist will be required to engage with young people and local community groups and/or undertake school workshops. If you are successful, you will be required to complete a Basic Access NI check, if you do not already have one. The community engagement will be designed between the host and the artist; it is part of the learning and development opportunity which ACNI contributes toward but it is not designed to be a scheduled work experience with pay. It is therefore important to note that the artist will need to manage their own time well and able to advocate for oneself when it comes to planning and delivery.

Artists may apply for a month-long Learning and Development Opportunity from January 2027 to February 2027. Artists must be in residence to coincide with the dates of the VHAH FEST (29^th January to 2^nd February 2027). Artists will be expected to attend Festival events as per invitation of host and at the discretion of the individual’s needs; there may also be opportunities to perform/deliver workshop(s)/speak during the Festival. This will be decided between the host and successful candidate upon award.

*Successful applicant(s) will be strongly advised to communicate with the host in order to agree optimal timing for Learning and Development Opportunity.

Read more and apply here.