The India Research Trip was first envisioned in 2022 by OISTAT Performance Design Commission and OISTAT Costume Design Sub-Commission as an initiative driven by the interest of OISTAT members to explore the rich cultural and design traditions of India. The inaugural edition, held from 12–26 January 2024, took participants through Delhi, Jaipur, Patan, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi—cities celebrated for their textile heritage, architecture, and performance traditions.
Building on the success of the first edition and the growing enthusiasm from the OISTAT community, we are pleased to announce the 2nd edition of this immersive journey, this time focusing on South India.
Our upcoming trip will span Bengaluru and Mysuru (Karnataka), Chennai and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu), and Thrissur (Kerala)—regions renowned for their silk and cotton handloom traditions, temple architecture, and dynamic performing arts.
Participants will engage with local institutions including:
• National School of Drama
• School of Drama, Thrissur
• Kerala Kalamandalam
Additional highlights include:
• Attendance at the International Festival of Theatre Schools (Thrissur)
• Visits to Kerala Kalamandalam University and Adishakti Theatre Laboratory
Optional extensions:
• International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFOK) – 24–31 January 2026
• Kochi-Muziris Biennale – 15 December 2025 to 15 March 2026
We invite active OISTAT members from any commission or sub-commission to apply. To express your interest, please submit a brief proposal (max 500 words) addressing the following:
Submit your proposal via Google Form https://forms.gle/GAuubG8a3v7xRiiu5
Deadline: 20 September 2025
An independent panel from our partner institutions will review submissions and select 10 participants based on:
• Clarity and relevance of your proposal
• Alignment with the goals of the trip
Confirmed host institutions in Karnataka and Kerala will provide:
• Shared twin-bed accommodations
• In-city transportation
• Daily meals
We are currently finalizing similar arrangements with institutions in Tamil Nadu.
Selected members are expected to lead or co-lead one workshop at each host institution. The content may remain the same or vary across locations.
We are collaborating with Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T), a quarterly journal from USITT (The United States Institute for Theatre Technology), for a special issue on the research trip. Participants are encouraged to submit an article reflecting on their experiences.
Click HERE to read the previous publication on India Research Tour in 2023 (formerly named “India Textile Tour”) on TD&T.
• Application Deadline: 20 September 2025
• Selection Results Announced: 30 September 2025
For more information, please contact:
Dinesh Yadav
Chair of OISTAT Performance Design Commission
pdc@oistat.org
