Echoes in the Valley Festival of Music (EITV) invites two Nepal-based and two UK-based women and non-binary artists to participate in a unique three-week residency program focused on cross-cultural collaboration and creative exchange.

 

RESIDENCY DATES: 18 FEBRUARY – 10 MARCH, 2025

LOCATION: KATHMANDU, NEPAL

 

Kaleidoscope celebrates EITV’s commitment to fostering multidisciplinary exchange by providing a platform for artists to connect, explore, and experiment across geography, traditions and artistic practices. The residency will focus on improvisation—the essence of both music and community archives.

 

Selected artists will work together in private rehearsal spaces and public city venues, responding to the immediate environment and the relationships formed during the process. The culmination of this residency will feature public engagements, including performances, presentations, and panel discussions, offering audiences a glimpse into the dialogues and creative processes developed during the residency. These engagements will take place at the 9th edition of Echoes in the Valley festival on 7–8 March 2025, celebrating the convergence of Nepali and UK music and culture.

 

The residency provides free accommodation, studio space, mentorship, covers international travel expenses, and includes a stipend to support artists during their stay. Residents also gain exclusive access to the Nepal Music Archive, offering opportunities to engage deeply with historical materials and musical legacies, drawing inspiration to incorporate into their own work. A remuneration of £1,000 will be provided to each resident artist.

 

EITV is an annual independent event celebrating folk, traditional, and indigenous sounds from Nepal and beyond. Its mission is to preserve Nepal’s musical heritage and make it relevant today, while spotlighting endangered Nepali music. The festival transforms cultural and heritage spaces like chowks, bahas, and dabus into concert stages, showcasing their historic value. Beyond music, EITV offers workshops, storytelling, exhibitions, heritage walks, and more. Emphasising inclusivity, it features artists from diverse gender identities, cultural minorities, and regions.

 

In honour of March as Women’s History Month, this opportunity is specifically created to address the need for increased representation and opportunities for women in music production across all genres, particularly in Nepal. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity and strongly encourage applications from women and non-binary individuals from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

 

Gender Inclusivity: Open to women and non-binary individuals.

 

Residency Requirement: Applicants must be residents of Nepal or the UK.

 

Experience Level: While applicants should be practicing musicians, composers, or producers, the residency welcomes individuals at different stages of their careers.

 

Collaboration Spirit: Candidates should demonstrate an interest in collaborative projects, learning from diverse perspectives, and engaging in cross-cultural dialogue. 

 

Language: Proficiency in either English or Nepali is required. 

 

Please note: 

• Artistic duos are encouraged to apply and will be accounted for as two applications. 

• Echoes in the Valley is organised in community spaces and not all venues of the Festival might be accessible to wheelchair users. That said, we will try our best to make accessible adjustments for all who are interested in being a part of the programme.

 

Submissions will be assessed by a jury panel. The final four residents will be chosen to represent a balance of diversity in terms of music genre, experience and cultural background.

 

Timeline

• 20 December – Open call for artists in the UK and Nepal /  Residency orientation

• 10 January – Open call closes

• 15 January – Application result announced

• 18 February – Selected UK artists arrive in Kathmandu

• 19 February – 6 March – Residency programme

• 7 and 8 March – Echoes in the Valley Festival

• 9 March – Reflections

• 10 March – Close of programme / UK artists depart

 

Applicants are required to submit: 

1. CV or a portfolio highlighting your musical background 

2. up to three samples of your work (details of types of files and links in the form)

3. a brief statement of purpose detailing your interest in the residency, what you hope to benefit from it and how you intend to contribute to the exchange (this can either be in written form or in a video, details are outlined in the form). 

 

Submission deadline 10 January 2025, 11:59 PM NPT.  Selection announcement 15 January 2025.