AIR_MCUBE International Artists Residency Nepal 2026 

OPEN CALL

AIR_MCUBE International Artists Residency, hosted by Gallery Mcube in Lalitpur, Nepal, is one of the country’s leading and most pioneering international artist residencies. Founded in 2011, this non-profit programme has become a hub for global artists seeking to explore, experiment, and engage with Nepal’s vibrant contemporary art scene.

Open to visual artists, writers, photographers, media and sound artists, composers, and multidisciplinary practitioners, AIR_MCUBE provides a supportive, collaborative environment for artistic growth, experimentation, and cultural dialogue.

Residents participate in talks, workshops, presentations, and feedback sessions with peers and professionals, building international networks within Nepal’s diverse art community.

More than a residency, AIR_MCUBE offers a transformative journey of creativity and cross-cultural exchange.

Residency Duration and Application Cycles

The residency offers flexible stays of one to three months, with four annual cycles for 2026:
• January – March
• April – June
• July – September
• October – December

Residents live and work within Gallery Mcube’s creative environment, surrounded by a thriving local art scene.

Languages

The programme supports English, Nepali, and Hindi, enabling smooth communication and inclusive collaboration among international participants.

Who Can Apply?

AIR_MCUBE welcomes emerging, mid-career, and established artists from diverse disciplines, including:
• Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, ceramics, installation, printmaking)
• Performance & Multidisciplinary Art
• Sound & Music (composition, experimental music, sound art)
• Photography & Film
• Writing, Curating & Research
• Theatre & Interdisciplinary Practices

The programme builds a vibrant, inclusive, and globally connected artist community dedicated to cultural exchange and creative collaboration.

Residency Facilities

Facilities include:
• Private, fully-furnished rooms
• Spacious, well-lit studios
• Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities
• Library and essential art-making tools
• Laundry and high-speed Wi-Fi
• A garden and rooftop terrace for reflection
• A dedicated gallery space for curated exhibitions

Gallery Mcube provides official invitation letters and documentation for artists applying to international grants and cultural funding programmes.
The combination of comfort, community, and creative freedom makes AIR_MCUBE one of the most rewarding artist residencies in Asia.

Studios & Accommodation

Located in Lalitpur, near Kathmandu, Gallery Mcube offers:
• Spacious, naturally lit studios
• A peaceful garden and rooftop terrace
• Private, furnished rooms with shared facilities
• Professional woodworking and metal-working tools
• Exhibition gallery and café area
• High-speed Wi-Fi for research and communication

The residency combines the tranquility of Nepali culture with the energy of contemporary art practice.

Residency Outcomes & Activities

The programme fosters creative growth and cultural immersion through:
• Cultural tours across the Kathmandu Valley
• Workshops and studio visits with local artists and artisans
• Media exposure on Nepali and international platforms
• A final curated exhibition at Gallery Mcube
• Annual group exhibition next year
(Each artist donates one selected artwork to Gallery Mcube’s permanent collection, featured annually in the AIR_MCUBE Group Exhibition – ensuring ongoing international visibility)

Fees & Application Process

Residency Fee: US$ 800 per month
Includes:
• Private accommodation
• Shared kitchen and dining area
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Shared studio facilities
• Five-day gallery exhibition
• Residency support and gallery assistance

Not included: personal expenses (food, materials, transport). Optional cultural and trekking tours can be arranged at additional cost.

How to Apply ?

Email gallerymcube@gmail.com with:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Portfolio
• 10 recent artworks (JPEG format)
• Short project proposal (≈ 200 words)
• Copy of valid passport

Deadline: Ongoing for throughout the year

Ready to Begin Your Creative Journey in Nepal?

Secure Your Place in Nepal’s Leading International Artist Residency Program.