Ziro Festival’s artist development programmes bring together musicians, visual artists, architects, and designers through residencies, workshops, and site-specific installations that transform the valley into a living laboratory of ideas. From collaborations like Manipuri folk artist Mangka working with a Welsh musician to release a single and tour the UK, to architects and designers co-creating spaces with local communities, we celebrate cultural exchange and shared learning. By working closely with festivals and institutions across the world, Ziro fosters dialogue across disciplines, helping artists and bridging cultures while shaping new ones.
This year at Ziro, Swiss artist Karin Bucher invites us into a meeting point of art, community, and culture—where stories of the land take shape through installation, workshops, and collaboration. She will be accompanied by artists Jennifer Mc Innis and Samuel Neff. This is supported by Embassy of Switzerland in India and Bhutan and Sustainability With A Plus.
Art Installation
At the heart of Ziro Festival, Karin Bucher will create Being with Nature – an interactive installation unfolding directly on the festival grounds. Visitors will be invited not just to look, but to touch, listen, and feel. An Apatani folktale of the Mithun will guide the experience, weaving together art, storytelling, and cultural heritage in a way that resonates with both place and people.
Residency & Mentorship
During her residency at Ziro, Karin Bucher will immerse herself in the valley, exploring local materials and working with artisans to create an artwork inspired by the Mithun, a cherished symbol of Apatani culture. To enrich this process, a young local artist has been selected through an open call to join her. This collaboration offers mentorship and hands-on learning, while also providing Karin with a close connection to local traditions – ensuring the final work grows from both artistic vision and community exchange.