Last summer, the most recent edition of the acclaimed Design Parade took place in the south of France, recognised for its rigorous selection of emerging voices in design and architecture. On this occasion, Villa Swagatam and Æquō were invited to nominate a laureate for a residency in India, offering the opportunity to engage with the country’s craft heritage through the gallery’s network of master artisans. French scenographer and designer Marie Gastini was selected, initiating a dialogue between her spatial practice and Indian material cultures. The outcomes of this residency will be presented at the forthcoming India Art Fair.

Æquō is the brainchild of founder Tarini Jindal Handa and creative director Florence Louisy, who met in Paris in 2019 and identified the absence of spaces dedicated to collectible design in India. At its core, the gallery connects global creatives with India’s craft heritage, fostering new perspectives and unique design languages.

Villa Swagatam is a network of residencies run by the French Institute in India to promote the mobility of artists, designers, and authors, and to foster cultural exchange between France, India, and the South Asian region. Since its launch in March 2023, Villa Swagatam has brought together some of the most distinguished cultural institutions and organisations in design, crafts, and artisanal production across both regions.