Austin, Texas · Oct 2026 to 2027
Participate Be part of a living cultural movement
Whether you’re a seasoned artist with lineage connections, a local business serving authentic regional food, or a neighbor who wants to lend a hand, you are welcome on this journey.
Applications for the 2026-27 season are open
Performing artists
Music, dance, theatre
Vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, storytellers and ensembles from any Indian performance tradition, whether classical, folk, fusion, devotional or commercial. Each celebration is curated to make room for emerging artists as well as established ones. Performers should be willing to share the story and meaning behind their art form in plain English, for an audience that spans every age and background.
Visual artists & craftspeople
Exhibition and demonstration
Painters, sculptors, weavers, printers, carvers and makers of every kind. Our celebrations host artist workshops and talks, live demonstrations, and the chance to exhibit your pieces and explain them to an audience that wants to hear it. If you are only looking to sell your work, please fill out the vendor form instead.
Speakers & teachers
Talks, workshops, classes
Scholars, practitioners and teachers of music, architecture, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, mathematics, astronomy and the way of life. We need people who can explain the why as well as the how: the philosophy under the pose, the reason behind the breath. If you can put that into plain language and willing hands, the program needs you.
Volunteers
All ages, all skills
No Indian roots required. Every gathering runs on volunteers, and it is one of the best ways to learn a tradition from the inside. Come on your own or bring family, children and friends. Roles range from welcoming guests to hanging exhibitions to running children’s activities.
Partners & supporters
Institutions and donors
A movement runs on people who believe in it. Cultural institutions, businesses, foundations and individual donors keep the gatherings open and the artists paid, and every contribution is acknowledged publicly unless you prefer otherwise.
Vendors
Food, crafts, textiles, wellness
Culinary specialists, gallery owners, Ayurveda experts, textile and jewelry vendors, crafters, artists and makers with authentic Indian goods to sell to an eager audience. Every vendor application is reviewed and curated to fit the cycle, the celebration and its theme. Selected vendors pay a fixed booth fee that helps cover event operations.
The next generation
Young artists and speakers
A movement that does not reach its children only lasts one generation. The 2024 Wonderful India Festival placed teen speakers and performers on stage alongside masters of their traditions. This year the movement carries that forward with all-ages contests, youth showcases, and workshops led by young performers for their own generation.
Good to know
Questions before you apply
Still wondering? Write to wonderfulindia@artlyworld.org.
Who can apply to participate in Wonderful India?
Wonderful India welcomes master artists, emerging talents, scholars, vendors, local businesses, families, and community volunteers from all backgrounds. Whether you are a classical practitioner, an artisan maker, a local business owner, or someone looking to serve, there is an application portal dedicated to the ways you would like to be involved.
How does the 14-month cycle structure affect my application?
Our 14-month journey is divided into five seasonal cycles (Deepa, Rang, Yoga, Jñāna, and Prakash). Each cycle features both intermediary gatherings (workshops, lectures, artist talks) and a major Anchor Festival. On the application, you can indicate your availability for specific cycles or apply for the entire 14-month movement. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis prior to each cycle.
Where and when do events take place?
All events take place in person in Austin, Texas. Our major Anchor Festivals are hosted in climate-controlled indoor ballrooms to ensure a comfortable, high-quality experience regardless of weather. Specific venue locations and intermediate workshop dates are released season by season to confirmed participants and email subscribers.
Can I apply for multiple roles?
Yes! If you are a performer who also wishes to participate as a vendor, or a vendor who wants to volunteer during another cycle, you may submit separate applications for each category.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once your contact information and initial application are submitted, our curatorial and operational teams review your materials. Applications are evaluated based on lineage, artistic or product quality, educational resonance, and alignment with the upcoming cycle theme. You will be notified via email regarding selection, assigned dates, and next steps.
Support the movement
Keep the door open for everyone
Artly World is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every donation is tax deductible. Your support pays master artists fairly, funds community seats for anyone who cannot afford a ticket, and puts India’s teachings in front of audiences who are ready to receive them.