Objectives
The general objective of Mewar Master Exchange programs is to provide creative interactive opportunities for inspiring local/international artists, musicians and innovators in a variety of fields.
We hope to pioneer new models of traditional technology transfer, humane globalization and heritage renewal that honor and amplify the impact of creative genius in our world.
The 2017 “Provoking Epiphanies” Music Exchange is a 4-week intensive introduction to and collaboration with a diversity of Indian musical masters who are willing to share their traditions, skills and stories with other impassioned musicians from “outside”.
In return, our local partners hope for increased understanding and respect for their native traditions; stimulating new relationships; and fresh exciting ideas to help their work evolve.
Finally we hope to harness some of this inspiring energy to create an ongoing exchange center that nourishes such synergies and is replicable in other heritage communities in India & beyond.
The Four Week Course - August 5 to September 3, 2017
First week: Orientation in local traditions & their cultural history; meeting virtuoso groups from six different musical communities; introducing your own arts & passions; discussing what musicians’ lives are like here in India & your home countries; and finally selection of collaboration partner(s).
Second week: Afternoon/eve collaboration sessions with chosen local partner(s) to share skills/styles/compositions, jam and co-create original pieces. Day trips available for Gavari rituals, craft village visits, sightseeing, yoga sessions, etc.
Third week: 5-day trip to visit famed Ajmer Sharif Dargah Sufi music community, Pushkar percussion masters, Jaisalmer folk artists (plus a camel safari), and a little known village of 300 Kalbelia musician families near Jodhpur.
Fourth week: Reconvening with Udaipur partner(s) to refine ideas for final performances – a fundraising concert to build a unique music residency centre and a free community gig to introduce all our artists and their joint creations to the public at large.
Location
Udaipur in southern Rajasthan is the former capital of the erstwhile princely state of Mewar, the most respected of all India’s princely states because it never capitulated to the occupying forces of the Mughal Empire, the East India Company or the British Crown. Beyond its noble history, it is best known internationally for its magnificent architecture, romantic oasis setting and traditional artist communities.
Season
Though oddly avoided by the 5-star tourist crowd, the August monsoon season is actually the most beautiful time to visit Udaipur. The lakes are brimming, the vegetation lush, the skies dramatic, temperatures range from the upper-80s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (upper to lower 20s Celsius), and the mood of the town is elated as the long hot dusty summer ends. August is also vibrant culturally since it is the season of Gavari, Mewar’s 40-day ecstatic tribal theatrical rites. Each year 25~30 different tribal villages launch itinerant Gavari teams that perform spectacular day-long ceremonies in over 600 villages in all.
Facilities
Accommodations: Individual lodging for all participants will be provided in highly rated, wi-fi equipped local guest houses – in Udaipur overlooking Pichola lake and during the northern journey in locations with similar amenities & pleasing views.
Studio space: Collaborative work spaces will be provided by local music groups, musician families or the West Zone Culture Centre depending on group size and needs.
Food
Meals in Udaipur will be catered by Millets of Mewar, the city’s only organic restaurant (rated Excellent in Tripadvisor). They offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Other trip locations will also offer vegetarian cooking. Please specify your particular needs.
Applications
Applications for the 2017 “Provoking Epiphanies” music exchange should be submitted between April 10th and July 1st and given the 12 member limit we encourage candidates to apply asap. Applications should include a completed application form, work samples, and a resumé or CV; and be emailed to mastery-exchange@bigmed.org. All applications will be reviewed and answered within a week via email.
Exchange Fees
The full fee for the 4-week exchange is US$3500, which covers all accommodations, meals, exchange related travel, studio space and recording services. It does not cover airfare to or from Udaipur or visa expenses. Accepted applicants choosing to share double rooms throughout the exchange will be entitled to share a ±US$400 discount.
Payment
A deposit of US$1500 is due within two weeks after an applicant’s acceptance and all remaining fees must be paid by July 15th. Money transfer expenses are to be paid by the sender and bank account info and other payment options will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.
Cancellation policy
US$50 is charged for handling all cancellations. Cancellations by June 1, 2017 receive an otherwise complete refund. Cancellations by July 1 receive a 50% refund. Later cancellations receive no refund.
Languages
Here we communicate in English, Hindi and local languages, and English translation will be available for all exchange-related events including collaborative music sessions. Translators for other languages may be available for the 10 collaborative sessions at a cost of ±US$150. Please inquire.
Academic credit
For participants seeking academic credit, please consult your institution for its requirements and convey them to us with or before your application. We have some local academic advisers for our programs and we will see if we are able to fulfill your needs.
International travel & visa info
International airfare: Average costs for roundtrip economy flights to Udaipur during the exchange period range from US$800~900 for major cities in the EU & Japan, US$850~1000 for Australia/New Zealand, US$1000~1200 for North America, etc.
Visa fees: Citizens from over 80 countries now qualify for relatively inexpensive Indian eVisas or visas on arrival, which must be initially applied for online, last 30 days, can’t be extended and cost anywhere from US$40~60. Participants wishing longer stays should apply for normal tourist visas at their local Indian consulates or embassies. See more info here.
Local arrival/departure transportation
All accepted applicants are requested to inform us of your travel arrangements at least one week before you come. We will have you picked up at your arrival point (airport, railway station, etc.) and offer similar services when you depart.
For more information, please contact us via email
at mastery-exchange@bigmed.org or by telephone at +91-869-684-0315
- A downloadable pdf copy of these guidelines is available here.-
