Sangam House stands as one of India’s premier international writers’ residencies. Dedicated to fostering the creative spirit of writers from across the globe, Sangam House offers a unique space where words are nurtured, voices are amplified, and literary connections are born.
Sangam House is a non-profit residency program that provides writers a quiet, supportive, and inspirational environment to focus on their craft. Founded with the belief that cultural exchange leads to richer, more authentic literature, the residency welcomes writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama from India and abroad.
Each season, selected writers are invited to stay at The Jamun, a peaceful bungalow located in Bangalore. The house itself is surrounded by lush gardens, making it an ideal retreat for uninterrupted writing. Residents are given private rooms, access to common areas, and the time and space to work independently while engaging in dialogue with fellow writers.
Mission and Vision
Sangam House aims to:
- Provide a supportive and inspiring environment for writers to develop their craft.
- Encourage interaction and collaboration among writers from different cultures and languages.
- Promote regional and international literature by creating a platform for literary exchange.
- Specifically support Indian writers and translators working in regional languages as well as English.
Programs and Opportunities
- Writer Residencies: Sangam House offers residency programs for writers who have published to some acclaim but haven’t achieved significant commercial success yet. These residencies provide writers with board and lodge, while they cover their travel expenses.
- Fellowships: Several specific fellowships are available, particularly for South Asian writers, and some partnerships are in place to offer residencies to writers facing censorship or distress due to their work.
- Literary Events & Publishing: Sangam House also engages in publishing ventures, like Wild Girls, a bilingual collection of women’s poems, to further promote diverse literary voices. They also host initiatives like “Poetry at Sangam” to showcase poetry globally.
- Collaborations: Sangam House partners with organizations and institutions both within India and internationally to
Location
Sangam House has relocated over time, demonstrating a flexible and adaptable approach to its physical space while maintaining its core mission. Currently, Sangam House is located at The Jamun in Bangalore.
In-Depth Profile of Sangam House
- Founding Vision: Explore the motivations behind establishing Sangam House and its evolution over the years.
- Residency Experience: Detail the day-to-day life of residents, including writing routines, communal activities, and interactions with fellow writers.
- Notable Alumni: Highlight successful writers who have been part of the residency, such as Perumal Murugan and Mridula Koshy, and discuss how the residency influenced their work.
Visual Storytelling
- Photo Essay: Capture the serene environment of The Jamun, the current location of Sangam House, showcasing spaces where writers live and work.
- Video Documentary: Produce a short film featuring interviews with past residents, staff, and founders, providing insights into the residency’s impact
Interviews and Personal Narratives
- Resident Interviews: Conduct interviews with past and present residents to share their experiences and the projects they worked on during their stay.
- Founders’ Perspectives: Interview the founders to discuss the challenges and successes of running an international writers’ residency in India.
Thematic Articles
- The Role of Residencies in Literary Development: Analyze how residencies like Sangam House contribute to the growth of literature, especially in multilingual contexts.
- Translation and Cultural Exchange: Discuss the importance of translation in literature and how Sangam House facilitates cross-cultural literary exchanges.
Event Coverage
- Public Readings and Workshops: Report on events hosted by Sangam House, providing summaries, attendee reactions, and the significance of these events in the literary community.
- Annual Literary Weekend: Cover The Jamun’s Annual Literary Weekend, highlighting themes, speakers, and key takeaways.
Conclusion
Sangam House remains a distinctive and vital presence in India’s literary ecosystem— the only fully-funded international writers’ residency in the country, offering a rare combination of financial support, creative freedom, and cultural exchange.Operating nomadically since its inception in 2008, it thrives through partnerships with arts organizations like Adishakti, Nrityagram, and currently The Jamun in Bengaluru,creating a dynamic environment where writers live alongside dancers, theatre artists, and translators. This intentional intermingling enriches both creative output and cultural understanding