photobook A.I.R

A three-part residency program conceptualized by Offset Projects in collaboration with Halden Bookworks, Photobook A.I.R focuses on the creation and experimentation of an artist book. The residency takes place between Offset Projects Studio space in New Delhi (2 months with flexibility to work online) and Halden Bookworks Studio in Norway (2 weeks at the Studio, supported by Arts Council, Norway). The program culminates in a final showcase and presentation at the Offset Projects Studio in New Delhi in 2026.

While much of the program engages lens-based practices, multidisciplinary projects that treat the book as the primary medium are equally encouraged. Images may take the form of archives, objects, personal or found materials, and diverse printing techniques. Applications are welcome for both new and ongoing projects.

Artists are responsible for travel, visa, materials, and any additional production costs.


Residency Includes

The residency includes:
1. Nine sessions with Anshika Varma, focused on project development and translating proposals into book form.
2. Shared accommodation with private room (Airbnb) for stay in Tistedal, Norway 
3. 14 days of studio access at Halden Bookworks, Norway supported by Arts Council, Norway
4. 2 month access to Offset Projects Studio, New Delhi  
5. Final showcase and presentation at Offset Projects Studio, New Delhi
6. 16,000 NOK honorarium + 5000 NOK food stipend in Norway 


Program Structure

Stage 1: Creation of Work
April
2026
Offset projects Studio, new delhi

The program opens with three sessions with Anshika Varma at the Offset Projects Studio in New Delhi, focusing on project development and the possibilities of building each artist’s proposal into book form.

Artists are expected to arrive at a draft of their project within April, developing the content and elements needed for production during Stage 2 in Norway.

Outcome: A developed draft ready for production in Norway.

  • Three sessions with Anshika Varma, focused on project development and translating proposals into book form.
  • Artists develop a working draft over the following month.
  • Two review sessions with the team at Offset Projects and Halden Bookworks (individual or collective; online or in-person) to support project evolution.

Stage 2: Studio Access
May
Location: Halden Bookworks, Norway

Artists will receive 14 days of studio access at Halden Bookworks to develop and produce their final work using the facilities available for paper making, printing, letterpress and binding (details of facilities available at the studio are given below). 

Studio rental, accommodation and food stipend supported by the Arts Council, Norway. 16 000 NOK honorarium + 5000 NOK stipend to cover food during the stay.



*Material and additional costs to be borne by the artist. Artists arrange their own travel and visa.

*Workshops by the studio founders can be arranged for an additional fee. Applicants requiring this must explicitly state it in their application so arrangements can be made in advance.

Print Studio (Letterpress Printing)Paper Studio (Papermaking)Bindery
(Bookbinding)
3 flatbed proof presses (2 motorised)1-kilo stainless steel Reina beaterBoard shear, multiple book presses, blocking press
2 smaller manual proof presses18″×24″ hydraulic pressTools for edition binding
Metal and wood type18″×24″ stack dryerLarge and foldable work tables for group and large-scale projects
1 polymer platemakerJapanese nagashizuki mouldsMaterials: threads, papers, boards, cloth, bookcloth
Large drying rack, galley cabinets, work tablesEuropean laid moulds (24″×36″ and 19″×14″)
Board shear and automated cutting machineIndo-Islamic moulds
Korean moulds
Nepalese moulds
Fiber-cooking and dye facilities

Stage 3: Finalizing the Project
June – August
Offset projects Studio, new delhi

Completion of artist book. Finalizing pending steps and remaining work. After returning from Norway to Delhi, India,  artists will have two months to refine and finalize their projects. 

BinderyStudio Access
ThreadsPhotobook Library
PapersScanning Facilities
BoardsPrinting for A3 sized paper
A5 sized book boards
Book press
Awls
Bone folders

Final Showcase
October 2026

Offset Projects will host an evening presentation and showcase of the final works created during the residency.  

Artists are requested to contribute one copy of their book to the Offset Projects library for public access and future reference.


Halden Bookworks will try to find opportunities where the books made can be shared as a showcase in Norway.


Code of Conduct 

Offset Projects has a clear stance on sexual and other forms of harassment. This code of conduct applies to all formats of physical gatherings on our premises or as part of the ongoing program. As you prepare to join us for these days, we ask that you endorse this very important code of conduct to ensure a safe, pleasant and fun experience for everyone attending or involved. 

Please be aware if your words and actions come from a place of being unaware or may cause physical and/emotional harm to those it is addressed to and check yourself accordingly. In this time of polarization we believe that kindness and love are important to build a world together and hope you will respect these guidelines while with us.

The program will not tolerate any/all harassment and intimidation of a sexual, physical, verbal, emotional or any other nature based on gender, sexual orientation, age, appearance, marital status, religion, ability or any other excuse at any time of day or night, at any gathering. Substances consumed can not be taken as an excuse.

Should we receive complaints of harassment or intimidation, we reserve the right to terminate the individual/s participation after conversing with those involved. This code of conduct is not meant to offend anyone who does not mean to offend others. And it shall not get in the way of everyone having a perfectly wonderful time together.