Travel report by Ayedin Ronaghi, IASPIS artist in residence at the Swedish Institute in Paris

The Swedish Arts Grants Committee’s international program for visual and applied artists, IASPIS, collaborates with the Institut Suédois in Paris. The grant holder is provided with accommodation as well as a grant to cover travel and living expenses during the stay.

Through its residency initiatives, the Swedish Arts Grants Committee aims aims to strengthen artists’ opportunities to work, develop, and establish international contacts. In 2024, Ayedin Ronaghi was one of the IASPIS grant holders in Paris. Below, Ayedin Ronaghi shares his experiences and reflections from his time in Paris.

Photo: Ayedin Ronaghi

Svenska Institutet

What did you work on when you were there?
During my time at the residency, I worked on an experimental animated documentary in collaboration with a Paris-based illustrator and animator. I had initially planned to only focus on storyboarding, but once I settled in, the project began to evolve. I found myself completely rewriting the script, something I hadn’t expected but which felt like a natural response to the creative energy of the residency.

Can you describe what it was like to live in the guest accommodation and work on site?
Living and working at the Swedish Institute was a truly special experience. The house itself is beautiful, and its location in the Marais, surrounded by art galleries, small shops, and the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere, provided daily inspiration. There was a real sense of being at the heart of something creative. Just as important, the staff at the Institute made me feel immediately welcome, which made the entire stay not only easy but deeply enjoyable.

Has your time in Paris been valuable for your artistic development, and has it led to any new contacts or ideas?
Absolutely. I’ve always found it inspiring to stay longer in a new city, but this time was different, more intense and more transformative. The combination of Paris and the Swedish Institute created the ideal environment for rethinking my work. I arrived with one idea, but left with a completely rewritten script and a much clearer vision for the project. I also met new collaborators and built a small team in Paris, which has already led to exciting new plans. I know I’ll be returning soon to continue developing the project with them.