Government Scholarships for Kathak Artists

Government scholarships, fellowships, and grants for Kathak artists in India can vary depending on the specific programs and institutions. These opportunities are typically designed to support the development, training, and promotion of traditional art forms like Kathak.

In this blog, you will get tips about How to get a government scholarship for the Kathak dance, the Requirements, and the Application process for government scholarships for the Kathak Dance. Keep in mind that details may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check with the relevant government bodies or cultural organizations for the most up-to-date information.

Here are some examples of government support for Kathak artists:

Ministry of Culture, Government of India

• National Scholarship for Kathak Dance: This scholarship is provided to young and talented Kathak dancers to help them pursue advanced training and education in the art form.

• Junior Fellowship and Senior Fellowship: These fellowships are offered to established Kathak artists to support their creative work, research, and performances. The Junior Fellowship is typically for emerging artists, while the Senior Fellowship is for those with a significant body of work.
• Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme: This scheme aims to preserve and promote traditional art forms by providing financial support to both the Guru (teacher) and the Shishya (student). It encourages the transmission of knowledge and skills from one generation to the next. Kathak artists can benefit from this scheme to further their training and learning.

Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Scholarships and Awards

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, the national academy for music, dance, and drama, offers scholarships, fellowships, and awards to support artists in various disciplines, including Kathak. These opportunities include:

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar: This award is given to young artists (under the age of 40) who have demonstrated exceptional talent and promise in their respective art forms. It includes a cash prize and recognition.

SNA Scholarships: The SNA provides scholarships to young and deserving artists to pursue advanced training in classical dance forms like Kathak.

National Scholarship for Young Artistes

Offered by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to young artists, including Kathak dancers, between the ages of 18 and 25. The scholarship supports their training and education in recognized institutions under renowned gurus. The candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of training with their Guru/Institutes.

Government-sponsored cultural exchange programs

• Fulbright Program:

Eligibility: Open to Indian Kathak artists and scholars interested in studying, teaching, or conducting research in the United States. Applicants should have a strong academic or artistic background.

Agency: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Rewards: Scholarships cover travel, living expenses, and tuition (if applicable), and offer opportunities for cultural engagement and exchange.

• Erasmus+ Mobility Program:

Eligibility: The European Union’s Erasmus+ program supports international mobility for students, teachers, and artists. Kathak artists may have opportunities to participate in workshops, residencies, and performances.

Agency: European Commission and various participating institutions.

Rewards: Financial support for travel, accommodation, and participation costs.

• Japanese Government Cultural Exchange Programs:

Eligibility: Programs like the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and cultural exchange initiatives offer opportunities for foreign artists, including Kathak dancers, to engage with Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Agency: Government of Japan.

Rewards: Stipends, accommodations, and opportunities to interact with Japanese artists and communities.

• Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships:

Eligibility: Open to foreign nationals interested in pursuing studies in India, including Kathak dance. ICCR scholarships cover various fields, including performing arts.

Agency: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Rewards: Full or partial scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.

• International Visiting Scholar Program:

Eligibility: Kathak scholars and practitioners may be eligible for visiting scholar programs offered by universities and cultural institutions in various countries. These programs promote research, collaboration, and artistic exchange.

Agency: Various universities and cultural institutions globally.

Rewards: Opportunities to conduct research, access resources, and collaborate with local scholars and artists.

• Bilateral Agreements and Artist Residencies:

Eligibility: Bilateral cultural agreements between countries often include provisions for artist exchanges and residencies. These opportunities may involve Kathak artists spending time in another country to collaborate, learn, and share their art.

Agency: Government agencies, cultural ministries, and diplomatic missions.

Rewards: Accommodation, stipends, access to cultural facilities, and the chance to immerse in a new artistic environment.

Festival Performance Opportunities

Various government-sponsored festivals and cultural events provide Kathak artists with opportunities to perform and showcase their talent. These events include the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Konark Dance Festival, Rani Rashmoni Dance Festival, Chidambaram Dance Festival, Kerala Kalamandalam Dance Festival, Suratgarh Dance Festival, Bhubaneswar Dance Festival and more. Participating in such festivals not only provides exposure but also helps artists connect with fellow performers and enthusiasts. Some of the cultural events are:-

Kathak Mahotsav: This is an annual festival of Kathak dance organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Performing Arts in India. The festival is held in different cities across India and features performances by leading Kathak artists from India and abroad.

Kathak Samaroh: This is an annual festival of Kathak dance organized by the Delhi Government Department of Arts, Culture, and Languages. The festival is held in Delhi and features performances by leading Kathak artists from India and abroad.

Kathak Utsav: This is an annual festival of Kathak dance organized by the West Bengal State Sangeet Academy. The festival is held in Kolkata and features performances by leading Kathak artists from India and abroad.

Kathak Nritya Utsav: This is an annual festival of Kathak dance organized by the Karnataka State Lalit Kala Academy. The festival is held in Bengaluru and features performances by leading Kathak artists from India and abroad.

Kathak Dance Festival: This is an annual festival of Kathak dance organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The festival is held in different cities across India and features performances by leading Kathak artists from India and abroad.

These are just a few of the many government-sponsored and private festivals and events that Kathak artists can participate in. By participating in these festivals and events, Kathak artists can showcase their talent to a wider audience, network with other artists, and learn from experienced teachers and performers.

Doordarshan Graded Artist Scheme

The Doordarshan Graded Artist Scheme is a program of the Prasar Bharati, the national public broadcasting broadcaster of India, to recognize and grade performing artists in various art forms. The audition for the scheme is held annually at various Doordarshan Kendras (centers) across India. There are four grades viz. B, B-High, A, and Top, awarded to artists based on the performance quality adjudged by a selection committee composed of eminent artists and experts.

State Government Cultural Departments

State governments also have their own cultural departments that may offer scholarships, fellowships, and performance opportunities for Kathak artists. These opportunities can vary from state to state.

Some State Government Cultural Departments scholarships, fellowships, and performance opportunities for Kathak artists:

Uttar Pradesh: The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi offers a number of scholarships and fellowships for Kathak artists, including the Kathak Ustad Allauddin Khan Scholarship, the Kathak Guru Shambhu Maharaj Scholarship, and the Kathak Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj Scholarship. The Akademi also organizes a number of performance opportunities for Kathak artists, including the annual Kathak Mahotsav.

Maharashtra: The Maharashtra State Lalit Kala Akademi offers a number of scholarships and fellowships for Kathak artists, including the Kathak Guru Kishori Amonkar Scholarship and the Kathak Guru Pandit Chandrashekhar Shankaracharya Scholarship. The Akademi also organizes a number of performance opportunities for Kathak artists, including the annual Kathak Utsav.

Delhi: The Delhi Government Department of Arts, Culture, and Languages offers a number of scholarships and fellowships for Kathak artists, including the Kathak Guru Shambhu Maharaj Scholarship and the Kathak Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj Scholarship. The Department also organizes a number of performance opportunities for Kathak artists, including the annual Kathak Samaroh.

West Bengal: The West Bengal State Sangeet Academy offers a number of scholarships and fellowships for Kathak artists, including the Kathak Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Scholarship and the Kathak Guru Mayadhar Raut Scholarship. The Academy also organizes a number of performance opportunities for Kathak artists, including the annual Kathak Utsab.

Karnataka: The Karnataka State Lalit Kala Academy offers a number of scholarships and fellowships for Kathak artists, including the Kathak Guru Pandit Gopi Krishna Scholarship and the Kathak Guru Pandit Hiralal Scholarship. The Academy also organizes a number of performance opportunities for Kathak artists, including the annual Kathak Mahotsav.

These are just a few of the many State Government Cultural Departments that offer scholarships, fellowships, and performance opportunities for Kathak artists. To find out more about the specific programs available in your state, you can contact the State Government Cultural Department or the relevant Akademi.

PS: Please note that the eligibility criteria, rewards, and application processes for these programs can vary widely. It’s crucial to research each program individually, review the latest guidelines on their respective websites, and adhere to application deadlines. Additionally, consider networking within the Kathak community and seeking guidance from mentors or experienced artists who may have participated in similar programs.

About the Author: – Neha Khunteta

Neha Khunteta is a highly experienced Kathak dancer and trainer with over 15 years of experience. She is the founder of Kathak By Neha, one of the Best Kathak Dance Academies. With her profound expertise and experience, Neha has established herself as one of the foremost educators in Kathak.

If you are interested in learning more about Kathak dance or finding out about Neha’s upcoming workshops and classes, please visit her website or contact her through the details provided in the blog.

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Email: neha@kathakbyneha.in  or contact: +91-8619116616

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