Otago Polytechnic Dunedin School of Art graduate Arati Kushwaha has been accepted as the 2019 Artist in Residence with KulturKontakt Austria.

Arati beat 800 international applicants for the prestigious three-month placement, which begins in October 2019.

Offered by the Austrian Federal Chancellery in cooperation with KulturKontakt Austria, the residency includes a studio and enables the recipient to become familiar with the Austrian art scene and make contact with Austrian artists.

Arati will aim to complete an artwork during her residency.

Born in Maharashtra, India, Arati completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Visual Art at the Dunedin School of Art in 2015, then returned to do a Master of Visual Art, majoring in sculpture.

Arati can’t wait to embark on the KulturKonTakt Residency.

“To me, the residency is far more than building international connections networks – although that is important, too.

“Residencies work best when they involve active collaboration, and the artist feels that something has happened or changed. It provides a chance for new knowledge and learnings. People and places have a certain impact, too, and are likely to inspire me creatively, as well as sustain me professionally," she says.

“The residency also provides recognition. But, more importantly, it will give me the time and space to allow me to develop my artistic practice. On finishing the residency, I will continue to explore gender equity and education through my art.”

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