NIRMAN is an independent centre for education, the arts, research, and ecological practice based in Varanasi, India.
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We create spaces where learning, artistic practice, community engagement, and environmental stewardship inform one another. Our work brings together children, artists, researchers, educators, and local communities through long-term relationships rather than isolated projects.

Rooted in Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, NIRMAN's work is shaped by the cultural, ecological and educational traditions of this place.
NIRMAN Residency Applications are now open for artists, writers, educators, researchers and practitioners.

What we do

​Education, artistic practice, research, and ecological restoration are closely connected at NIRMAN. Each area informs and strengthens the others.

Our Campuses

Varanasi
A bustling campus in the city founded in 1990 with the help of a gift by the Maharaja of Banaras
Betawar village
​A lovely riverside campus of 10 acres, with ecological projects and spaces to live and work

Join us

Get inspiration and focus for your work
Learn through practice and mentorship
Develop a project with us
There are many ways to help sustain our work
Donations in the US are through APPEAR India, our 501(c)3 partner, and are tax-exempt.