Elemental — Winter Edition
Art residency in the Himalayas
Dates: February 2026
Location: GlampEco, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Applications Start: 20 Aug 2025
Theme: Nature as Process
Inspired by biomimicry, each artist chooses one natural element — a tree, a fungus, a stone, the wind — and lets its rhythm guide their making.
“If a stream were to write, where would it pause?”
You’re invited to explore not just what you create — but how you arrive at it.
A residency where process takes the centre and showcase follows.
A Space to Slow Down, Create, and Listen
After a soulful summer edition, Elemental returns to the mountains this February — inviting artists of all disciplines to gather in the stillness of Himalayan winter.
There are no mentors here.
No deadlines.
Only a collective studio under the sky — shaped by artists like you.
This isn’t a retreat, or a course,
or a race.
This is a soft pause.
A space to explore your creative process while surrounded by snow-dusted forests, quiet sunlit days, and a shared sense of inquiry.
Who Can Apply
Artists from all disciplines are welcome:
- Visual artists, writers, photographers
- Performers, sound artists, movement practitioners
- Designers, art-science explorers, and the curious in-between
There’s no hierarchy of experience — only honesty in process.
Residency Structure
- Self-led with optional prompts (on request)
- Morning session and check ins
- Peer artist workshop(s) in the first half
- Second half are reserved for creation process
- Evenings are to slow down, reconnect and announcements
Residency Fees
- Coming soon
- Application Deadline: 29 Dec 2025
- Early Bird Discount: 20% off if confirmed by 30 Oct 2025
What’s Included
- Daily Residency Workshops (artist-led, optional and open to all)
- Breakfast & Dinner (simple, wholesome vegetarian meals)
- Dormitory Accommodation
- Access to shared studio spaces
- Wi-Fi and basic utilities
Add ons
- Shared Glamp/Dome stay at an additional cost
- Pre-book a lunch pass. Or order à la carte from the on-site kitchen — to be billed separately and settled by each participant
Application process
We’re so glad you’re considering joining Elemental. This isn’t just a form — it’s the beginning of your journey with us.
Here’s how the process works:
🔹 Step 1: Fill Out the Application
Share a bit about yourself, your practice, and what draws you to this residency. Be honest, not perfect — we value presence over polish.
🔹 Step 2: Shortlisting
We go through every application with care. Shortlisted artists will be notified via email with next steps.
🔹 Step 3: Confirmation & Payment
Once selected, you’ll receive an acceptance email with a 50% deposit link to confirm your spot.
Only after this, your spot is officially reserved.
🔹 Step 4: Onboarding
A week before the residency, we’ll send you an onboarding guide with what to pack, how to get there, and a few gentle prompts (if you’d like them).
🌿 This is a space of trust, not competition.
You don’t have to be a full-time artist or have a formal portfolio.
If you feel called to slow down, create, and listen to nature — this may be your place.
Start nuturing your artistic self – form is the first step
Documentation and Post Residency
Google Drive
Shared Google Drive for artists to upload photos/artworks
Blog
Option to contribute to the Vinyasa Earth blog
Expression
Video testimonials and artist portraits (only if you’re comfortable)
Alumni
Invitation to join our artist alumni network
Artists from previous Elemental
Shazia
Visual Artist
Payal
Visual Artist
Bharat
Architect
Radhika
Movement & Music
Heena
Movement & Mindfulness
Janhavi
Film-maker
Manan
Visual Artist
Pragati
Writer & Storyteller
Meet the curators
Why Vinyasa’s retreats are the way they are
Sankalp Sharma
Founder, Vinyasa Earth
Contemporary Dancer
Abhishek Gore
Creative Director, Vinyasa Earth
Experience Designer
From Past Artists
“We came in strangers, left as stories woven into each other.”
FAQs
Can I bring my own materials?
Absolutely. Please carry any materials or tools you need for your practice. Basic shared supplies may be available, but artists are responsible for their own mediums.
Is there financial aid or a scholarship?
Currently, we’re working on keeping the base fee low. If we’re able to offer any support, it will be shared directly with shortlisted applicants.
Can I work remotely during the residency?
Yes. Wi-Fi is stable and has supported remote workers before. However, we encourage minimizing digital work if possible, to stay tuned into the environment and creative space.
Is this a retreat?
Not quite. This is a creative residency — focused on exploration and process. It’s gentle and restorative, but not curated for rest alone.