About the grant
India possesses one of the world’s most diverse and layered artistic traditions. However, large portions of this heritage remain undocumented, under-researched, or at risk of erasure.
The Wari Art Research Grant 2025 offers a structured platform for undergraduate students to engage in original, mentored research that brings these legacies into contemporary relevance.
Hosted by Wari and piloted in partnership with MITID, the grant aims to support student-led inquiry rooted in cultural memory, visual scholarship, and creative methodologies.
What are we doing?
Selected students will conduct research exploring this theme through:
+ Documentation of overlooked or fading practices.
+ Analysis of traditional craft, material culture, or visual forms.
+ Reinterpretation through design or communication media.
+ Critical linking of historic legacies to current cultural and social contexts.
Who can apply?
Undergraduate students at MIT-ID or MIT ADT studying:
Art
Cultural Studies
Design
Architecture
Visual Communication
What do you get?
A grant up to
INR
1,00,000
for field research.*
A designated
mentor
from Wari Art's
expert pool.
Aceess to
editorial & curatorial guidance.
A grant up to
INR
1,00,000
for field research.*
A designated
mentor
from Wari Art's
expert pool.
Aceess to
editorial & curatorial guidance.
public
platform
to showcase
final work.
Feature in
a national
digital publication.
A special
cohort of
10
researchers.
public
platform
to showcase
final work.
Feature in
a national
digital publication.
A special cohort of
10
researchers.
Expected Outputs
Research paper, essay, or a zine
Visual maps, timelines, or digital publication archives
Multimedia documentation
Presentation showcase at university seminar
Timeline
+ Proposal Submission:
1st - 30th September
+ Fellow Selection:
October 2025
(10 fellows across 5 campuses)
+ Research Period:
October 2025 - January 2026
(~10 Weeks)
+ Final Showcase & Review:
February 2026
+ Proposal Submission:
1st - 31st September
+ Fellow Selection:
October 2025
(10 fellows across 5 campuses)
+ Research Period:
October 2025 - January 2026
(~10 Weeks)
+ Final Showcase & Review:
February 2026
Selection & Mentorship
Proposals will be reviewed by a jury panel comprising leading academics
and practitioners in the field.
Selected fellows will be paired with mentors to guide:
• Research framing and hypothesis development
• Methodology and ethical practices
• Literature recommendations and theoretical positioning
• Documentation, analysis, and narrative construction
Selection & Mentorship
Proposals will be reviewed by a jury panel comprising leading academics
and practitioners in the field.
Selected fellows will be paired with mentors to guide:
• Research framing and hypothesis development
• Methodology and ethical practices
• Literature recommendations and theoretical positioning
• Documentation, analysis, and narrative construction
Why participate
The Wari Art Research Grant 2025 is an investment in India’s cultural future.
It seeks to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary discourse by enabling student researchers to participate in shaping India’s artistic memory and expression.
This pilot initiative also contributes to building a scalable model for cultural research within Indian higher education, with a strong emphasis on student agency, interdisciplinary thinking, and national relevance.
*The granted amount will be subject to proposals.
For Enquiries
Please contact your faculty coordinator at MIT-ID and MIT ADT,
or reach out to the Wari Grant Team at: operations@wariart.com