This is a non-profit exchange programme by artists for artists to foster the local, Indian and international mutual exchange of ideas and experiences through guest residencies in Bangalore. Bengaluru Artist Residency One is registered as a Public Charitable Trust.

Our Residency programme, which provides accommodation and a workplace for mainly visual artists, was founded in 2001 and was probably the first of its kind in India. From July 2001 until January 2007 we had a studio-apartment in Mallesvaram and were directly affiliated to the Artist Residency Gaesteatelier Krone in Aarau, Switzerland.

Since 1, October 2007 we have rented a new studio apartment in Vivekanandanagar near Cooke town, cantonment area and our first guest came in October 2007 for six months.

A new partnership with Pro Helvetia (the Swiss Arts Council) in New Delhi resulted in a contract for 3 years (which will be renewable for an additional 2 years).

Since2001 we could host 12 Indian artists, 16 Swiss artists and a Palestinian artist  at our studio apartment.

We have been able to offer both the invited Indian and international artists inexpensive living and studio space and provide a context for them to interact with local Bangalore artists, an introduction to the art scene and other existing cultural institutions, colleges, student groups and the basic infrastructure required by artists - be it market places and resources for appropriate art material shops, or facilities for the making of their work.

The charm of this Residency Programme in Bangalore so far has been its personal and hands on way of functioning. It has been run and conceptualized from within the local Bangalore artist community, many of  the bar1 group members have been recipients of residency programs in Switzerland and across the world. Over the years, we have acquired the skill to both host and manage such a residency in addition to continuing our own successful art practise. This has resulted in many close friendships being built across cultures, and within the group. The residency has also been responsible for facilitating interactions between artists, and organizing workshops with other institutions such as art colleges and their student bodies. These visiting artists to Bangalore city have had access to the galleries and public spaces such as Gallery Sakshi, Gallery Ske, Alliance Francaise and CKP. Often times they have also transformed their workplace or studio into a space for exhibitions, adding to the growing list of venues for art and culture and public interaction in the city of Bangalore.

The success of this programme has largely been due to the enthusiasm, commitment and hours of unpaid work by the organisers in the collective.

Since October 2007 we have appointed a coordinator to take care of the guests. And through this full time coordinator we also hope to collaborate with similar cultural initiatives.