OPEN CALL: Research Associates
Join the 3rd Edition of the OCO Residency Programme as a Research Associate, supporting field research, documentation, community engagement, and programme coordination in Sadeibareni, Dhenkanal
Application Deadline: 20th July 2026
About the Position
Odisha Craft Odyssey (OCO) invites applications for three Research Associates to support the implementation of the 3rd Edition of the OCO Residency Programme, dedicated to the Dokra craft traditions of Odisha. Research Associates will work closely with the selected researchers, resident practitioners, and local artisan communities in Sadeibareni, Dhenkanal. The role requires supporting field-based research, documentation, community engagement, logistics coordination, production support, and programme management throughout the residency period. Research Associates will serve as an important bridge between residents and the local community by facilitating communication, coordinating field activities, providing translation support, assisting with documentation, and supporting the smooth implementation of research, production, and public engagement activities.
Application Details
Who can apply?
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Master's degree in Visual Arts, Art History, Anthropology, Sociology, Cultural Studies,Heritage Studies, Design, Museum Studies, Folklore Studies, or related disciplines.
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Strong spoken and written English communication skills.
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Excellent working knowledge of Odia, with the ability to communicate effectively with artisan communities and provide translation support when required.
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Ability to travel and work in field-based environments.
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Strong organizational, coordination, and interpersonal skills.
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Availability for the entire residency period is mandatory.
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Applicants must be residents of Odisha.
Preference Will Be Given To
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Applicants residing in Dhenkanal district or nearby regions with familiarity with the local cultural and geographical context.
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Candidates with prior experience working with artisan communities, craft clusters, cultural organizations, museums, archives, or research projects.
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Applicants with skills in photography, videography, and digital documentation.
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Candidates with knowledge in Canva video-editing software.
Preferred Skills
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Proficiency in Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Forms.
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Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
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Experience in data entry, spreadsheet management, and maintaining research databases.
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Ability to create and organize digital content for documentation and outreach.
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Prior experience in field research, cultural documentation, community-based projects, or event coordination is desirable.
Selection & Timeline
Number of Research Associates: 3
Duration: 01 October – 08 December 2026
Location: Sadeibareni (Dhenkanal) & Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Craft Theme of the Year: Dokra Craft
Key Responsibilities
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Support selected researchers and residents during field visits, interviews, surveys, and documentation activities.
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Facilitate communication between residents, artisans, local stakeholders, and the OCO team.
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Provide Odia-English translation and interpretation support when required.
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Assist with ethnographic research, field notes, transcription, surveys, and documentation.
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Coordinate local logistics, accommodation, transportation, scheduling, and field support.
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Support production-related activities during project development and exhibition preparation.
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Assist in creating photo, video, and behind-the-scenes documentation of residency activities.
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Support OCO's social media platforms, website updates and digital outreach efforts.
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Maintain organized digital archives of photographs, videos, research materials, and project documentation.
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Assist in workshops, public programmes, exhibitions, and residency operations.
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Maintain records, reports, attendance sheets, databases, and project documentation.
How to Apply
Submit requirements as a single PDF to odishacraftodyssey@gmail.com
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Subject Line: “Your Name, Research Associate, OCO Residency Programme 2026.”
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Cover letter (Maximum 500 words)
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Updated CV (Maximum 2 Pages)
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Contact Details
Application Deadline: 20th July 2026
Support and Compensation
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Honorarium: INR 500 per day.
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Food and Local Transport Allowance: INR 1,500 per week.
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Accommodation: Shared housing will be provided.
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Travel Support: Reimbursement of travel expenses between Bhubaneswar and the research site (to and fro) for official programme activities.
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Certificate of Participation from Odisha Craft Odyssey.
An Overview: Dhokra Craft
Dhokra, also known as Dokra, is a traditional non-ferrous metal casting craft practiced using the ancient lost-wax casting technique. The craft is widely recognized for its rustic visual quality, intricate linear detailing, and handcrafted individuality. Since the mold is broken after every casting, each object produced remains completely unique.
In Odisha, Dhokra is primarily associated with the Dhenkanal region and artisan communities residing in clusters such as Nuagaon, Nabajeevanpur, and historically Sadeibereni. The craft is practiced within household-based workshop systems where the entire family contributes to different stages of production.
Traditional Dhokra objects include tribal figurines, ritual lamps, musicians, animals, jewelry, utensils, bells, wall décor, and mother-and-child forms. Tribal life, forests, folk rituals, village activities, agrarian culture, and indigenous belief systems largely inspire the motifs.
The craft relies heavily on manual labour and locally adapted techniques. Materials such as clay, beeswax, resin, brass scrap, rice husk, and natural fuel sources remain central to the process. Despite increasing contemporary adaptation into lifestyle and decorative products, the making process itself has remained largely unchanged for generations.
About Sadeibereni and its Geographical Significance to Dhokra
Sadeibereni, located in Dhenkanal district under the Saptasajya Panchayat region, has historically been identified as one of the most important Dhokra craft settlements in Odisha. The village is situated around 10 km from Dhenkanal town and remains connected to Bhubaneswar and nearby urban centers through road networks.
The surrounding semi-rural and forest-influenced landscape historically supported the craft through access to materials such as river clay, beeswax, forest resin, firewood, and organic binding agents used in mold preparation.
The region’s environment also shaped the visual language of the craft. Motifs such as elephants, horses, tribal musicians, village women, ritual lamps, and mother-and-child forms are closely linked to the indigenous and agrarian culture of the area.
The close proximity between Sadeibereni, Nuagaon, and Nabajeevanpur helped sustain intergenerational knowledge transfer and collective production systems. Even though active production has shifted over time, Sadeibereni continues to remain geographically and culturally important as the historical identity of Odisha’s Dhokra tradition.
About
Odisha Craft Odyssey
The Odisha Craft Odyssey (OCO) is a pioneering initiative that seeks to redefine the cultural landscape by elevating Odisha’s rich craft traditions. Aiming to challenge entrenched hierarchies between fine arts and crafts in South Asia, OCO promotes an inclusive platform where craft is recognized as a vital form of artistic expression. By integrating craft into educational frameworks, exhibitions, and cultural historiography, the project blurs the traditional divide between art and craft. OCO not only honors the skills of Odisha’s artisans but also repositions craft as central to contemporary artistic and cultural discourse, fostering respect, visibility, and critical engagement.
For queries, reach out to us by email: odishacraftodyssey@gmail.com
