RESTING ACADEMY
SEASON iii: CHOBI MELA EDITION
[India & Bangladesh]
The third edition of the Resting Academy (2025-2026), hosted in Kolkata and Dhaka, will be a special one, as it will be accompanied by South Asia’s longest-running photo festival, Chobi Mela.
This edition will take place in Kolkata and conclude in Dhaka, coinciding with Chobi Mela, providing residents with a unique opportunity to engage in intimate interactions with renowned artists hosted by Chobi Mela.
At Anandi Foundation in Kolkata, The residents will undergo a series of curated lectures by artists from varying ethos and fields to begin their journey. After this, the residents will convene at Dhaka where they will get the chance to be a part of Chobi Mela. The program will conclude in Dhaka at Pathshala Institute.
Anandi Foundation hosting the first part of the programme is a secluded refuge, away from the bustle of the city, ideal for the contemplation and reflection required at this stage of the journey. Here, the Resting Academy will host artists, curators and musicians from the subcontinent to share the knowledge and experiences derived from their respective practices. This will be a collaborative effort, aimed to fuel critical thinking and enable residents to break down and rebuild their knowledge of various modes of photography and lens-based media, as well as initiate personal research as a creative practice.
The informal nature of the residency, as well as its idyllic surroundings, has always created free-flowing dialogues between residents and faculty, fostering a self-didactic attitude and ensuring the recalibration and articulation of individual voices.
This period will be followed by four weeks in which the residents travel to research and execute their chosen project before reconvening at Pathshala in Dhaka to assemble their final work before its presentation - the culmination of a journey, as personal as it is professional.
Application Deadline:
01 August, 2025
*Seats are limited.*Participants must be committed to participating in the ‘Resting Academy’ from October 2025 to February 2026.
Venues: Kolkata, India and Dhaka, Bangladesh.
︎First Phase in Kolkata, India.
︎Following fieldwork [Based on selected project areas participants will be pursuing.]
︎Second Phase in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Fee: $4200
*The fee will cover tuition fees and accommodation in Kolkata & Dhaka.Fee do NOT include:
- Visa fees and Airfare or any Transportation in Country or Region related to your project
work.
- Meals or other personal needs.
- Any other personal activities & project related fund.
︎ Accommodation:
Attendees will be situated in a bungalow on the outskirts of Kolkata, where they will reside within a communal hostel-style dorm rooms with personal beds, a kitchen, and other essential amenities.
About Anandi Bari
Anandi, meaning joyous, is the ancestral home of Biren Mukherji. Situated in village of ‘Makardah’ on the outskirts of Kolkata. Its history is over 150 years old. This haven of nature serves as a welcoming retreat from the hustle of city life which is an hours drive away.
Serenity surrounds you when at Anandi. Its name comes his granddaughter who died tragically young. She was a historian and aspiring writer, a beautiful human being. Before departing himself, he named the property after her. As this is the place that brought him a sense of peace and grounding.
Today Anandi sprawls across ponds, lawns, fruit trees and bamboo groves. Langurs, water monitors and a host of birds visit to feed, nest and they feel at home.
Anandi, meaning joyous, is the ancestral home of Biren Mukherji. Situated in village of ‘Makardah’ on the outskirts of Kolkata. Its history is over 150 years old. This haven of nature serves as a welcoming retreat from the hustle of city life which is an hours drive away.
Serenity surrounds you when at Anandi. Its name comes his granddaughter who died tragically young. She was a historian and aspiring writer, a beautiful human being. Before departing himself, he named the property after her. As this is the place that brought him a sense of peace and grounding.
Today Anandi sprawls across ponds, lawns, fruit trees and bamboo groves. Langurs, water monitors and a host of birds visit to feed, nest and they feel at home.
︎ How to Apply?
- An updated CV/Resume detailing your educational background, current and previous professional experience/exhibition details, and other workshops/internships/courses attended.
- We want to get to know you better. Tell us about your experience with photography, and why you would like to join ‘Resting Academy’. (Maximum 300 words).
- A project proposal / conceptual note that the participant would like to pursue their final project during the programme.
︎ Portfolio Submission
Number of Images: A compilation of your photography portfolio, ideally showcasing 1 or 2 long-term projects, each comprising 18-24 images (+videos or other mixed media pieces).
Image size: 2000 pixels on the longer side / 72dpi / JPG format/ PDF.
Filename: All images should include your full name. (eg: Imran_Ahmed_001.jpg)
Please send a link (google drive or Dropbox) with all the materials to communication@pathshalainstitute.edu.bd with the subject line: "Resting Academy Application".
︎ For more information
Contact:+880 1795-094271
[10 AM-6 PM Dhaka Time]
Except Friday or Gov. Holiday
Email: communication@pathshalainstitute.edu.bd