Open Call: Second edition of 'artVarta Research and Publishing Grant'
We are excited to announce the second edition of Akar Prakar’s ‘artVarta Research and Publishing Grant’. The Grant is conceptualised to support the work and research of emerging scholars, curators, artists and publishers who are innovatively thinking about the book-form and ways of publishing, including self-publishing. It is being awarded to emerging researchers and publishers, who demonstrate an abiding commitment to exploring innovative, experimental, and lesser-known practices and visual cultures in the arts.
Launched in 2019, the Grant is an initiative of the Lath Sarvodaya Trust, Kolkata, which was founded in 1968. Since its inception, the Trust has been involved with the promotion of visual, performative and plastic arts in India, including lending support to literary, philosophical and art journals. As a patron of the arts, the Trust supports activities in the field of music and publishing, including initiatives launched by exponents of vocal performances, such as the Hindustani classical music doyen Pandit Jasraj, and dhrupad virtuosos Gundecha Brothers. The Trust has also spearheaded the publication of ‘artVarta’, a bi-annual journal of the arts in English; and ‘Unmilan’, a half-yearly Hindi journal on philosophy. (Read more about the trust here, and about the first edition's grantees.)
Jury Members for this year's Open Call:
Chandrika Grover Ralleigh, Independent Cultural Strategist
Chandrika has a special interest in intercultural exchange and in developing the possibilities for artists' collaboration between Europe and South Asia. She was the Founding Director of Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council's first office in Asia till 2017, and administered the Charles Wallace India Trust's award programme for 18 years while at The British Council. She is Artistic Co-Director, with Farooq Chaudhry, of the next two editions of Prakriti Excellence in Contemporary Dance Awards, and has served as Advisor to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2018.
Bipin Shah, Managing Director, Publisher, and co-founder, Mapin Publishing
With 36 years of publishing experience, he has created a niche market for high-quality illustrated books on the art and culture of India. Mapin offers publishing services to international museums and publishers. With 350+ titles to its credit, Mapin has done seminal work on documenting the visual arts of India. Shah has put Mapin on the world map for its reputation of high quality and for making it one of the best-known publishers of illustrated books in India. Amongst the new initiatives Mapin has taken up is to partner with regional language publishers in India to bring Indian art to children and foray into the digital domain for illustrated books with print and digital educational material for art, design and architectural students. Shah started his publishing career in New York with art book publishing followed by international marketing.
Guidelines for Applicants:
Applicants with prior experience in either research or publishing would be preferred, although we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, who are able to put across a strong and well-argued proposal for the Grant.
In terms of its areas of focus, the Grant is not limited to any geography, nor does it restrict its award to persons of specific nationalities, age groups or communities
The Grant will be awarded to two individuals, one each in the field of research and publishing; and the recipients will receive a grant of 100,000 rupees each.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents, complied in a single PDF, by August 31, 2020, to info@akarprakar.com:
A Statement of Intent, in not more than 1,500 words, highlighting the objective of their research project or publishing initiative; a detailed plan of action, along with a tentative timeline of the project; and how the Grant would be able to support their work. The proposal can be either new or ongoing. Note: A single applicant can only apply for one grant, either for research or publishing.
A detailed CV (not more than 5 pages), supporting their credentials in respective fields, including a portfolio of previous research or publishing projects.
A writing sample (not more than 2,000 words), previously published or a ready-to-publish manuscript, on a subject of your choice; and where you are able to demonstrate your research or publishing-related interests and abilities.
For any queries, write to us: info@akarprakar.com
