MANANG ARTIST RESIDENCY, FALL 2024

Departing Kathmandu 21 September, 2024 until October 21, 2024

The Manang Artist Residency, located inside the Annapurna Sanctuary in the historic village of Ngawal, is one of the most unique 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 converge. The residency encourages artists to immerse themselves in the traditional culture of the Manang region and respond to this remarkable location through their art practice. The residency aims to introduce participants to the local culture through periodic excursions and daily interaction with locals as well as a cultural briefing upon arrival.

Nestled on a hillside on Nepal’s most popular trek - The Annapurna Circuit - Ngawal offers a great opportunity to explore the surrounding villages on foot and dig deeper into this special part of the Himalayas. Locals grow crops and herd yaks, trade goods and run trekking lodges. It’s a place where centuries-old customs and architecture thrive. An abundance of monasteries, meditation caves, stupas and mani walls offer a deep spiritual connection to this Buddhist corner of Nepal, whilst remnants of the Ghale dynasty linger amidst the ruins of the ancient palace. With stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range, home to one of the highest peaks in the world, it’s a truly extraordinary place to make art.

THE SPACE

STUDIO

We have 7 indoor studios. Each studio is approximately 3 meters x 3 meters (9 feet) each and will be used by a single artist or shared based on the no. of artists at the residency at any given time. The studio will be accessible at all times. Smoking is not permitted in the studios as the flooring is timber floorboards. Please let us know if your work will somehow damage the studio walls or floors (i.e. paint splash, cutting of materials etc.). In addition to these indoor studios, we also have a large outdoor courtyard where you can work.

Accommodation type

All rooms will be private rooms with an attached bathroom. Mattress, blankets, pillows and towels will be provided. All bathrooms will have a shower, basin and WC. Hot water is available but limited as we use solar panels to heat the water. We will provide hot water bags and electric blankets to keep you warm at night. Laundy will be available for a small fee. Usually $3-$4 per kg.

Food

Breakfast will be included in the residency fee. Since we are in a remote area the buffet breakfast every morning will consist of oats, muesli, dried nuts, white bread, eggs, milk (powder), butter, jam and tea. There will be no fruits or ground coffee available. Please bring your own coffee (ground beans). Lunch and dinner will have to be organised by the artist themsleves. You can order at the accommodation from their menu or head out to the local restaurants/cafe to eat. There are no shops where you can buy groceries so if there is anything specific you need you will have to bring them yourself from Kathmandu. There are a few convenience stores in Manang where you can buy basic items (canned food, peanut butter, chocolates, biscuits etc.).

Getting to Ngawal

Ngawal can be reached from Kathmandu (1400m) through the town of Besi Sahar (760m) where you will need to change vehicles that will take you to Manang. It is advisable to stop in Chame (2650m) for the night to acclimatize before heading to Ngawal (3650m).

Kathmandu to Besi Sahar: Duration: 6 hours, Price: Shared bus- $15-20pp, Private car-$110-130 (per vehicle)

Besi Sahar to Chame: Duration:5 hours Price: $40pp (shared jeep)

Chame to Ngawal: Duration: 2.5 hours Price:$20pp (shared jeep)

The residency organisers can assist with your transport arrangements if needed. The road between Besisahar and Ngawal is narrow, steep and off-road conditions. The road conditions in Nepal are poor and participants agree to travel at their own risk

VISA

Visa can be obtain at the International airport arrival hall. You can get a 15, 30 or 90-day Tourist Visa for $35, $50 or $125, it’s best to have cash and exact change if possible (in any major currency). Here is some more helpful visa information:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/visas

https://www.immigration.gov.np/en/page/visa-on-arrival

ACAP Permits

You will need to get the ACAP permits to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. If you plan to trek over the Thorong-la pass to Mustang you will also need a TIMS permit. You can get both permits at the Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Your hotel staff can help you, and taxis know where it is located. The ACAP permit is $30 and the TIMS permit is $20. For the TIMS permit you will also have to show proof of insurance be it travelers or your home health plan. Use the following information to fill out the forms:

Reason for Trip: Holiday or Meditation;

Trekking route:Besi Sahar-Manang;

Route: Besi Sahar-Manang-Besi Sahar;

Entrance and Exit points: Besi Sahar.

Cultural Sensitivity and Etiquette:

We kindly request all artists to be respectful of the local culture, traditions, and people. Here are a few things to keep in mind during your stay in Manang:

1. Religious Observances: The people of Manang are primarily Buddhist. You will notice monasteries, stones with scriptures carved on them, and small stupas (religious monuments) throughout the landscape. Please be mindful of these sacred sites and avoid stepping on or touching them.

2. Superstitions: The local community holds certain beliefs and superstitions. For instance, whistling at night is considered bad luck as it is believed to attract spirits.

3. Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially children and monks.

4. Pricing and Bargaining: Most items in Manang will be slightly more expensive than in larger cities due to transportation costs. While bargaining is common in some markets, it’s not customary in local shops or when dining.

5. Dress Code: Please dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing and consider covering your shoulders and knees.

6. Interactions: Greet locals with a smile and a “Namaste” (a traditional greeting). Be patient and understanding, as communication may sometimes be challenging due to language barriers.

7. Environmental Awareness: Help us preserve the pristine environment of Manang. Avoid littering, conserve water, and be mindful of your energy consumption.

For more info:

https://www.greathimalayatrail.com/ght-dos-and-donts/

What type of organisation are you?

Social Enterprise.

Working Languages:

English and Nepali.

Presentation of artists’ work:

Arranged on a case-by-case basis.

Duration of residency:

2 weeks minimum

4 weeks maximum

Longer residencies by negotiation.

Number of artists in residence at one time:

Up to 10.

Which disciplines does your residency cater to?

Visual Art

Land Artists

Writers

Photography

Film-making

Sculpture

Textile Art

Printmaking

Performing Arts

Music

Literature Education programs

Environmental and cultural research

What practical facilities does your residency offer to artists?

Private accommodation

Private studio/workplace

Shared outdoor workplace

Kitchen

Internet (limited, as we are in a remote area)

Cleaning

Local restaurants and coffee shops

Is your residency wheelchair accessible?

No.

Application process:

it will be a digital form after which a selection committee of 3 will decide the participants.

Residency Fees

Registration : Free

Residency fee : ($US175 per week including breakfast)

Do you provide the residents with any funds associated with the residency? (e.g. stipend, fellowship, production allowance)

No.

Expenses paid by the artist:

Residency fee

Travel

Art supplies

Expenses paid by the organisation:

Excursions.

Are artists expected to engage with the community during their residency stay?

Yes. Artists are encouraged to engage with the community and hold an open studio at least once during their stay.

Other activities happening at the space:

There is a cultural museum at the site with artifacts from the region, home visits, visit caves, monastries.

Selection process:

By 3 member committee.

Setting:

Rural. Elevation approx 3650 metres.

Nearest Airport:

Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara:

Participants are required to organise their accommodation outside Ngawal. A list of accommodations will be provided by the residency organisers if needed.

Insurance:

Travel Insurance for foreign nationals is mandatory.

Personal Liability:

All participants are required to sign a personal liability waiver.

Health:

Ngawal is located at an altitude of 3650 metres. Participants must stay at a lower altitude of 2500 metres for one night to acclimatise before arriving in Ngawal and will be provided with a health at altitude fact sheet prior to leaving their home country if coming from abroad. Temperatures in Ngawal drop to -10 at night and early morning so it is very important to pack proper winter clothing to keep yourself warm during your stay. Participants must be in good health with no life-threatening illnesses.

Medical Treatment Facilities:

There is a health facility (Himalayan Rescue Association) staffed by local and foreign doctors located in the main town of Manang 30 minutes drive from Ngawal.

Materials

Artists will be responsible for bringing the materials needed for the duration of the residency. The materials are to be purchased in Kathmandu before the residency. Please let us know if there are any particular larger items needed and we will see how it can be accommodated. There are no art stores in Manang. However, you can find natural materials such as rocks, timber, driftwood, and metal scraps. Basic tools such as hammers, nails, saws etc. will be provided.

Packing list

Clothing:

Warm down jacket

Outer shell for rain/wind

Woolen Bennie

Buff

Warm woolen scarf

Layers (t-shirts, vest, long-sleeves, fleece, sweaters)

Pants

Long underwear or thermal layers

Sun hat and sunglasses

Winter hat

Gloves

Sturdy walking/running shoes

Hiking boots, if you want to trek

Comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off

Flip-flops

Toiletries:

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

Shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush

Towel

Wet wipes

Plenty of moisturizer (it’s very dry here)

Personal medications and supplements

Vitamin C, rehydration salts , probiotics

Sunscreen and lip balm

Other Items:

Headlamp or flashlight

Power bank

Personal First Aid Kit

Diamox (altitude sickness medication)

Reusable water bottle (insulated for hot liquids)

Water Purification Tablets

Hot water bladder

Personal laptop,Thumb drive / compact external HD

Personal camera

Plug adapter

All necessary art materials

Contacts

Jo Rankine / jo.rankine@icloud.com

Amar Gurung / aamar.grg@gmail.com

Please let us know if you have any questions.