Elemental — Winter Edition
Art residency in the Himalayas
Duration: 10 days in Feb 2027
Location: GlampEco, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
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 3 soulful editions, Elemental returns to the mountains in February 2027 – 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, photographers, cinematographers
- Performers, writers & poets, sound artists, movement practitioners
- Fine artists, sculptors
- Facilitators, space holders, mindful practitioners in the field of art.
- 1 spot for Designers, architects, art-science explorers, and the curious in-between
There’s no hierarchy of experience – only honesty in process.
Residency Structure
- Lab session with optional prompts (on request)
- Morning session and check ins
- Peer artist workshop(s)
- Reserved time for creation process
- Evenings are to slow down, reconnect and announcements
Residency Fees
- Dormitory Residence tentative ₹22,000/- +gst ONLY!! (8 spots)
- [UPGRADE] Triple Sharing Dome Residence ₹44,000/- +gst (3 spots)
- Application Deadline: 31 Nov 2026
What’s Included
- Daily artist led Residency Workshops
- Breakfast (simple, wholesome vegetarian)
- Dormitory/Shared Dome Accommodation
- Access to shared spaces
- Wi-Fi and basic utilities
Add ons
- Pre-book a meal pass for (tentative) ₹8000/- for all days, 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 but it’s the beginning of your journey with us.
Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Initiate your 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. You will receive a call from the residency experience curator. We then schedule a video call where we want to understand from you in depth about-
- Artist Statement
- Your Research Question / Inquiry
- Why Vinyasa?
- Integration of your medium and nature (technique or inspirational)
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
Final submission (Process+Artwork)
Shared Google Drive for artists to upload photos/artworks
Journal Archive
Journal each day at the residency and document a pdf format at the end
Expression
Video testimonials and artist portraits (only if you’re comfortable)
Alumni
Invitation to join our Elemental artist alumni network & potentially the artist community
Meet the curators
Why Vinyasa’s residencies are the way they are
Abhishek Gore
Co-founder, Vinyasa Earth
Experience Curator & Designer
Sankalp Sharma
Founder, Vinyasa Earth
Contemporary Dancer
Resident Artists June 2026
Julien
Music & Composer
Sanjay
Poet
Madhu
Movement
Danial
Dance director
Rohit
Illustrator
Janhavi
Cinematographer
Resident Artists February 2026
Guntaj
Photography
Amita
Painter
Varun
Writer
Samixha
New Media
Avik
Composer & Sound Design
Ketaki
Zentangle
Resident Artists June 2025
Shazia
Visual Artist
Payal
Visual Artist
Bharat
Architect
Radhika
Movement & Music
Heena
Movement & Mindfulness
Janhavi
Film-maker
Manan
Visual Artist
Pragati
Writer & Storyteller
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?
We have 1 scholarship spot for local artists (from Manali)
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.