jüSTa Hotels & Resorts has announced the 12th edition of its international art residency, Chitrashaala, to be held from February 10 to 16, 2026, at jüSTa Mukteshwar Retreat & Spa. A joint initiative of jüSTa Hotels & Resorts and celebrated fashion designer Deepika Govind, Chitrashaala 2026 continues its legacy of fostering meaningful cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration across borders.
Founded in 2015, Chitrashaala has evolved into an internationally acknowledged platform that enables artists from varied socio-cultural backgrounds to engage in an enriching exchange of ideas. Each edition is carefully curated to balance place, process and people, allowing the destination itself to become an integral part of the artistic journey.
This year, Chitrashaala will host 53 artists, including 24 Indian and 29 international artists, whose practices span cultural art forms, contemporary expressions and surrealism. International participants will represent nine countries, namely Italy, Romania, Thailand, Spain, Japan, Egypt, Mauritius, Poland and Sri Lanka. Indian artists will travel from Kolkata, Baroda, Pune, Delhi, Mumbai and Rajasthan, bringing with them a diverse range of regional narratives and artistic sensibilities.
Speaking on the vision behind Chitrashaala, Ashish Vohra, Founder & CEO, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, said, “Chitrashaala has grown into a living ecosystem of ideas, friendships and creative exchange. At jüSTa, art lies at the heart of how we interpret hospitality and culture. Hosting the residency at Mukteshwar reflects our belief that powerful landscapes inspire powerful creativity. The quiet majesty of the Himalayas offers artists the space to slow down, reflect deeply and create work that is both personal and universal.”
Perched at an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level, jüSTa Mukteshwar Retreat & Spa is nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Himalayan mountains, offering sweeping views of snow-clad peaks and dense green forests. The serenity, isolation and natural grandeur of Mukteshwar make it an apt setting for an immersive art residency – one that encourages reflection, creative freedom and deep engagement with the environment. The tranquil rhythm of the destination allows artists to disconnect from everyday distractions and fully immerse themselves in their creative practice.
Highlighting the curatorial perspective, Anirudh Chari, Curator, Chitrashaala, said, “Chitrashaala 2026 promises to be as vibrant, inspiring and thought-provoking as its previous editions. This year, we have a fascinating array of artists from around the world whose creative energies will be stimulated by the stunning setting of jüSTa Mukteshwar. We look forward to a week marked by camaraderie, high spirits, meaningful exchanges and the creation of exceptional art.”
As per Avijit Mukherjee, Coordinator of Chitrashaala, “Chitrashaala 2026 brings together a new and exciting group of artists from across the world. With women at the forefront of all human endeavour, Chitrashaala 2026 is no different. We have a large number of women participants who will give voice to their unique sensibilities through their chosen forms of expression. The natural beauty of Mukteshwar will also undoubtedly inspire all the artists and stimulate their creative energy.”
Since its inception, Chitrashaala has hosted and empowered over 500 artists across diverse destinations, reinforcing jüSTa Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to celebrating artistic excellence while redefining luxury hospitality through culture-led experiences.
