A 3-Day Mentorship & Critical Engagement Programme
Open Call for Young Artists, Final-Year, MFA Visual Arts Students
Organised by Faandee and Team Chala Bhetuya
Academic Collaborator: DY Patil School of Architecture, Nerul, Navi Mumbai
Peripheral Shades: Beyond Centre within the Community is the next phase of Chala Bhetuya, a community-led initiative that began with studio visits to artists across Navi Mumbai.
The three-day programme brings together young artists, final-year, MFA students of Painting, Sculpture and Crafts from across Maharashtra for focused conversations around artistic practice, critical thinking and professional development.
The programme aims to build an accessible platform for artists to meet, discuss, question and develop their practices through direct engagement with practicing artists from the Chala Bhetuya Studio Visits.
WHAT WILL THE PROGRAMME EXPLORE?
- Portfolio reviews and individual feedback
- Studio and practice conversations
- Conceptual and critical development
- Research and approaches to artistic practice
- Contemporary art practices and current discourses
- Peer exchange and mentorship
- Approaching fellowships, residencies and grants
- Understanding and developing proposal writing
- Building a portfolio as both a record of studio practice and a communication tool
- Conversations around sustaining and presenting an artistic practice
MENTORS
The programme will be led by artists who have participated in the Chala Bhetuya Studio Visits, bringing together diverse artistic practices, professional experiences, educational backgrounds and life choices.
The emphasis will be on exchange rather than instruction—creating space for participants to discuss their work, receive feedback, encounter different approaches and learn from one another.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Young visual artists (Up to age 26)
- Final-year, MFA students of Painting, Sculpture or Crafts
- Applicants must be based in Maharashtra, India
- Artists at an early stage of developing their independent practice are especially encouraged to apply
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Duration: 3 Days
Venue: D. Y. Patil School of Architecture, Navi Mumbai
Dates: 2,3,4 October 2026
Number of Participants: Maximum 20
Participation: By selection and No Participation Fee
Language of conduct: Feasible to participants in English, Marathi, or Hindi
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications open: 12 September 2026
Application deadline: 22 September 2026
Selected participants announced: 26 September 2026
Participation details and the complete programme schedule will be shared with selected participants.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the application form with details of your practice, interests and portfolio.
The programme is designed as a focused and accessible space for young practitioners to meet artists, discuss practice, receive critical feedback and build connections with peers.
Chala Bhetuya is a Faandee community initiative run by artists Vilas Bhad, Uttam Ghosh, Sandip More, Raj Bharti, Pravin Dhanuskar, Pankaj Khalode, Nikhil Purohit, & Narendra Thakare.
