We’re so thrilled to launch the Shakti Design Residency, a new annual initiative to bring emerging global design talent and Indian craftspeople together for cultural exchange and collaboration.

The aim of the residency is for participants to create a capsule of pieces that reflects their time in India, offering a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and create in a culturally rich and inspiring environment.

The name ‘Shakti’ comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘power’, ‘energy’, or ‘strength’. It is a word that has strong associations with empowerment, creativity, and the active and dynamic forces of the universe.

“The Shakti Design Residency is an ambitious initiative I have envisioned for quite some time. The timing feels particularly important now as we witness a global shift towards valuing craftsmanship and innovation in design. India is increasingly recognised for its technology expertise and a willingness to embrace the role of design in creation of a better future.” – Shalini Misra

Aimed at emerging designers from any disciple, the four-week residency in New Delhi and Jaipur enables four successful applicants to visit workshops, working with local artisans and high profile ateliers alongside an international panel of world-leading design and creative mentors.

The prestigious jury includes:

  • Shalini Misra (Founder, Shalini Misra Design and Curio.Space, London)
  • Jesse Lee (Founder, Basic.Space and Chairman of the Design Miami board, LA)
  • Benjamin Paulin (Founder of Paulin, Paulin, Paulin, Paris)
  • Marcin Rusak (Designer, Warsaw – London)
  • Alexis Georgacopoulos (Director, ECAL, Lausanne)
  • Yves Behar (Founder, Fuseproject, San Francisco – Lisbon)
  • Nina Yashar (Owner, Nilufar Gallery and Nilufar Depot, Milan)
  • Sonali Rastogi (Architect, Morphogenesis, New Delhi)
  • David Alhadeff (Founder, The Future Perfect, New York)

 

The first residency takes place from 1 to 25 October 2024, and is organised in partnership with Jesse Lee, founder of innovative retail platform Basic.Space. Shalini Misra’s extraordinary Farmhouse and grounds in New Delhi will serve as the hub for this exciting program. The most outstanding pieces will be put into production and offered for sale on Basic.Space and Curio.Space – the global platform for finely crafted furniture, lighting and accessories founded by Shalini Misra.

“Partnering with Basic.Space was a natural choice, and all our jury members truly appreciate the importance of fostering a new vision of design. Our aim is to bring all these elements together to create a transformative and enriching experience for the participants.” – Shalini Misra

“India currently has the fastest growing economy in the world, which will then lead to more, diverse opportunities for next gen creatives. I am delighted to participate in the inaugural design residency where we can help provide a platform to showcase amazing designers.” – Jesse Lee, founder of Basic.Space

Entry submissions can be made at www.shaktidesignresidency.com. Follow the journey on Instagram: @shakti.residency