Kattaikkuttu Sangam Fellowship 2026
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
The Kattaikkuttu Sangam announces a bi-annual Fellowship for an artist or a researcher.
If you are a committed artist, craftsperson or scholar with ideas and
experience to support us in making Kattaikkuttu visible and accessible
to a wider audience and transmitting its complex tacit knowledge to
future generations, we invite you to apply.
This is an on-site position; your daily presence at the Kattaikkuttu
Sangam in Punjarasantankal Village in Tamil Nadu and your collaboration
will be required 6 days a week for a period of three months.
Stipend: ₹30,000 per month, with accommodation and food costs covered by the recipient
Duration: 1 January to 31 March 2026
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
About the Program
Kattaikkuttu Sangam is a not-for-profit association dedicated to
Kattaikkuttu (or Terukoothu), a traditional Tamil language-based
physical and vocal ensemble theatre. In October 2025, the Sangam
launched a Kattaikkuttu Diploma Course that offers immersive training in
acting, singing, movement, makeup, and costuming. Participants also
have the learn to play a musical instrument, such as the harmonium,
mridangam/dholak, or mukavinai. The Diploma Course is designed to
prepare students for roles in Kattaikkuttu theatre, contemporary
theatre, and the film industry.
Alongside the Kattaikkuttu Diploma Course, the Kattaikkuttu Sangam aims
to create an online Repository for Kattaikkuttu that captures the
multifaceted knowledge system of the theatre, highlights its
transmission, and showcases the skills and versatility of its
professional practitioners.
Your Contribution
During the fellowship, you will engage in the Sangam's daily activities
and its special programs, using your skills to enhance its mission and
vision. Possible contributions could be:
- Creating short films documenting Kattaikkuttu’s knowledge and the life of students of the Diploma Course
- Designing innovative costumes and ornaments, addressing the new inclusion of women in this profession
- Assisting with photo and video documentation for the Repository
- Filming the annual performing arts festival of the Sangam in February 2026
- Helping develop the Repository’s structure; editing video footage shot during the first three months of the course
- Sharing your knowledge through writing, music, dance, or performance.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available on-site or nearby, to be paid for by the
fellow. The Sangam is set on a 7-acre green campus, 8 km from
Kanchipuram Town.
Who Can Apply
Applicants may include, but are not limited to, actors, musicians,
researchers, dancers, curators, designers (especially of costumes and
ornaments), (video) photographers, crafts persons, painters, archivists,
writers, and academics. There is no age limit. Proficiency in English
is required, while knowledge of Tamil is a plus. Experience and the
ability to work independently are essential; we expect concrete and
high-quality contributions in support of our work.
Non-Indian citizens can apply, but will not receive a stipend; instead,
we will provide accommodation and assist with visa arrangements. Duos
may apply, but the stipend will remain the same.
The Sangam believes that all art forms count equally and should be inclusive and accessible to all.
How to Apply
Submit your application via the online form, stating your background and how you
intend to contribute.
Interviews
Online interviews will take place on or before December 16, with results announced immediately thereafter.n
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