The Lotus Fellowship
For Emerging U.S.-Based Indian Classical Performing Artists
Like the lotus that blooms above water while remaining deeply rooted below, Indian classical artists today are often called on to create from tradition while evolving toward new horizons. In recognition of this great responsibility, The Lotus Fellowship is a pioneering one-year program designed to support U.S.-based emerging artists grounded in Indian classical traditions who are ready to shape the future of their art forms.
This Fellowship is the first program of its kind in the U.S. — providing infrastructure and visibility for Indian classical artists at the highest level.
At the heart of the Fellowship is personalized mentorship with an Arts India US Lotus Mentor—an experienced and thriving professional who provides creative and/or collaborative support on an original composition or choreography as well as shares insight into their own personal experiences navigating the U.S. arts landscape. Fellows will also take part in workshops led by Arts India US and keynote industry experts on topics such as artistic sustainability, entrepreneurship, and industry navigation. These sessions are complemented by a cohort-based structure that builds community, connection, and long-term support among Fellows.
Each Fellow will:
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Be inducted into a cohort of peers recognized as some of the most promising Indian classical artists of their generation
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Be matched with an Arts India US Mentor Artist for regular 1:1 creative/collaborative and career discussions
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Receive structured feedback and track progress in creating a 10-minute original composition or choreography, an experimental work that maintains rooted in the genre's tradition while positioned to reach wider audiences
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Attend Arts India US workshops on industry topics led by experts throughout the year
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Contribute to a growing culture of knowledge-sharing and intergenerational support in the Indian classical arts community
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Keynote speakers for workshops:
Payal Kadakia Pujji
Artistic Director of Sa Dance Company and Founder of ClassPass
"Vision to Venture: How Founders Think -- and What Artists can Borrow"
Mythili Prakash
Bharatanatyam Dancer and Choreographer
"Inheritor and Inventor: Balancing Lineage and Personal Identity in Artistic Leadership"
Aparna Ramaswamy
Executive Artistic Director of Ragamala Dance Company
"Invitation to the Table: What it Really Takes for Institutions to Take Notice"
Preeti Vasudevan
Founder and Director of Thresh Performing Arts Collective
"From Spark to Stage: Turning Ideas into Works that are both Fundable and Feasible"
Vani Krishnamurthy
Executive Director, Arts India US,
Performing Arts Associate, Harvard University's The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute
"Relevance by Design: Connecting Tradition to Today -- with Intention, Not Compromise"
Who Should Apply:
We invite applications from highly accomplished U.S.-based Indian classical artists, age 30 or below. Ideal candidates are strong and experienced performers — often already presenting for Indian audiences — who now seek to expand their creative voice, innovate for broader audiences, and explore professional opportunities on a national stage. This Fellowship is designed for serious artists who are ready for their next breakthrough.
A one-time fee of $10 is required to apply; this will cover administrative costs for reviewing the application. We are happy to waive the fee for those who are unable to cover this charge.
*For those on the cusp: you must have been 30 at some point during 2025.
FAQs
What are key dates for the Fellowship?
July 15th, 2025 -- Applications open
October 1st, 2025 -- Applications close
November 15th, 2025 -- Fellowship Awardees announced
January to December 2026 -- Fellowship time period
What does it mean to be Mentored?
Mentorship is tailored to each Fellow’s individual needs — it may be deeply collaborative, cross-genre, or focused on artistic and professional strategy. This is a chance to work as peers with leading artists who understand how to both honor lineage and reach new audiences.
These Mentors are not to take the place of a guru but more so, they will offer you creative feedback and career advice given their overall experience in practicing Indian classical art forms professionally in this country.
We are continually growing our Mentor Artist community. If you know of an artist you'd like for us to consider adding to this group, please feel free to share through our contact form.
Are there monetary awards for the Fellowship?
At this time, Awardees will not be receiving any monetary awards. The Fellowship instead entails free and close access to world-class U.S.-based Indian classical artists as well as free access to Arts India U.S. Fellowship-specific workshops.
Will the workshops, gatherings, and mentor sessions be online or in person?
All sessions will be online. However, you are free to meet your Mentor Artist in person if they agree and the logistics allow you to do so. We are working on securing funding for a culminating, in-person, retreat.
How long will the sessions be and when will they be held?
Each session will be no longer than 1.5 hours. Mentor sessions will be scheduled at a time that works for you and your Mentor, while workshops will be scheduled based on majority availability.
What will the application entail?
The application will have general questions about yourself, your training, and your interest in the Fellowship. It will also ask you to submit a 5-minute video of a performance, as well as an initial idea for your culminating composition or choreography.