jüSTa Hotels & Resorts has announced the 11th edition of its esteemed international art residency, Chitrashaala, which will take place from February 10 to 17, 2025, at the jüSTa Rasa Retreat & Spa in Rishikesh. Known for its focus on fostering cultural exchange and promoting creativity, Chitrashaala 2025 promises to be an immersive experience featuring 60 exceptional artists from 16 countries.
Founded in 2015 as a collaboration between jüSTa Hotels & Resorts and celebrated designer Deepika Govind, Chitrashaala provides a vibrant platform for artists from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds to exchange ideas and inspire one another.
Speaking on the significance of Chitrashaala, Ashish Vohra, Founder & CEO of jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, said,“Chitrashaala reflects our vision of seamlessly blending luxury hospitality with cultural vibrancy. The event offers a unique opportunity for artists to express their creativity while drawing inspiration from India’s breathtaking landscapes. At jüSTa, we aim to celebrate not just art but also the stories, culture, and camaraderie that bring it to life.”
The carefully curated roster this year includes 34 international artists from countries such as Poland, Egypt, Thailand, Turkey, Singapore, Spain, USA, Romania, Italy, Japan, Finland, Jordan, Netherlands, Ukraine and Mauritius, alongside 26 Indian artists from West Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Together, they will create a melting pot of ideas, showcasing a blend of global artistry and local heritage.
Highlighting the grandeur of this year’s event, Anirudh Chari, Curator of Chitrashaala, said, “Chitrashaala returns to Rishikesh more vibrant, thriving, edgy, and exciting than ever before. Over sixty artists from across four continents will gather to produce stunning artworks amidst some of the most pristine and exquisite scenery this country has to offer. Now in its eleventh year, this week-long residency has established itself firmly in the international artistic calendar and is certain to be a treat for all.”
According to Avijit Mukherjee, the Coordinator of Chitrashaala, “In this eleventh year of Chitrashaala, the theme is friendship across borders. Over the last ten years, we have been privileged to host artists from all over the world and created connections that will last a lifetime. None of this would have been possible, had it not been for the support of jüSTa and the warm friendship and constant inspiration from Deepika Govind and Ashish Vohra. Chitrashaala 2025 is certain to be an amazing meeting of minds and I hope everyone who joins us finds it memorable.”
Participating artist Rohan Poddar from Kolkata shared his thoughts, “Chitrashaala is not just an art residency; it is a cultural celebration that encourages meaningful exchanges between artists from all over the world. It’s an honour to be part of an event that fosters creativity while embracing India’s incredible heritage and scenic beauty.”
Adding to this sentiment, Petri Hildén from Finland said, “I am thrilled to be part of Chitrashaala 2025. The opportunity to create art in a setting as beautiful and spiritually uplifting as Rishikesh is unmatched. This platform is a melting pot of creativity and collaboration, and I look forward to sharing and learning from fellow artists.”
Since its inception, Chitrashaala has empowered over 500 artists, hosting them in diverse locations, from serene beaches to historic hill stations. The 2025 edition marks yet another step in strengthening jüSTa Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to redefining luxury hospitality by celebrating artistic excellence.
Founded in 2005, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts operates 27 properties across 11 Indian states, blending international five-star luxury with the rich ‘Spirit of India.’ Renowned for integrating art into the hospitality experience, each jüSTa property is a curated gallery of original, theme-based Indian art, redefining traditional rituals into an exquisite ‘Art of hospitality.’ This fusion of culture and luxury makes jüSTa not just a stay but an immersive journey into India’s artistic heritage.
