Multidisciplinary Residencies in Japan

Aomori Contemporary Art Center (ACAC)

Aomori, Japan

The Aomori Contemporary Art Center (ACAC) offers an Artist-in-Residence program titled "SPINNING SCAPES" that invites contemporary artists, curators, and researchers to engage deeply with their practices in a supportive and fully equipped environment. Located at the foothills of the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori, Japan, the ACAC is celebrated for its distinctive architecture by ANDO Tadao and its integration into the lush local landscape, offering a unique space for creative exploration and public engagement. Residents at ACAC can participate in various lengths of stays, from two weeks to up to six two-week terms, depending on their project needs. The program is flexible, allowing for both in-person and remote participation. It encourages artists to immerse themselves in the local community and environment to inspire new "scapes" or perspectives within their work, whether through exhibitions, performances, or other collaborative projects. Key features include access to specialized workshops (engraving, silkscreen, ceramics, digital production, construction), a personal studio space, communal living areas, and exhibition opportunities. The residency is supported by a dedicated team, offering logistical, technical, and community engagement assistance, aimed at fostering meaningful cultural exchanges and expanding the artists' practices and visibility.

Arts Itoya

Takeo, Japan

Arts Itoya is an artist residency located in Takeo, Saga Prefecture, Japan, established in 2018 after renovating an old kimono shop. The program, managed by Studio Kura, offers residencies for up to four artists at a time, with stays ranging from one to three months. Residents are provided with individual rooms in a shared traditional Japanese house, along with a partitioned studio space that also serves as an exhibition area. The residency emphasizes a balance between work and rejuvenation, with daily access to nearby hot springs (onsen) and electric bicycles for local transportation. Takeo, known for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient hot springs and its proximity to famous porcelain towns like Arita and Imari, provides a tranquil yet inspiring environment for artists. The residency fee is 100,000 JPY for a four-week stay, with deposits required upon acceptance. Artists are responsible for their own daily expenses, materials, and travel, and are encouraged to seek funding independently.

Fusion

Kaga, Japan

Fusion is a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural artist residency located in Ishikawa, Japan. This immersive program brings together artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, performance, music, and dance, to create and collaborate in the serene setting of Kaga City, a traditional Japanese hot spring resort. The residency provides artists with shared accommodations, studio spaces, and event venues to showcase their work through exhibitions, performances, and collaborative activities. Participants engage with local culture, explore Japan’s natural beauty, and interact with fellow artists, creating a unique environment where tradition and contemporary artistic practices intersect. The program emphasizes collaboration, dialogue, and artistic experimentation, fostering a global exchange of ideas.

MA Umi Residencies

Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan

MA Umi Residencies is a self-funded, non-profit international residency program based in the northern peninsula of Ishigaki Island, Japan, part of the Yaeyama archipelago. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and research, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the land, ocean, and local communities in a sustainable and immersive environment. Participants have access to complimentary lodging in private studios, shared facilities, and transportation within the area. The residency promotes ecological and cultural awareness, focusing on marine and coastal landscapes as part of its response to global climate challenges. Residents are encouraged to present their work publicly, whether through exhibitions, workshops, or discussions, fostering dialogue and intercultural collaboration. The program is open to artists, researchers, and creatives across disciplines, including visual arts, architecture, geography, oceanography, and literature. The selection process is based on artistic merit, the feasibility of proposed projects, and their alignment with the program’s mission.

The Kyoto Retreat

Kyoto, Japan

The Kyoto Retreat is an international residency designed for artists, curators, and writers seeking research and inspiration in Kyoto, Japan. The program offers participants a tranquil environment rooted in Japan’s cultural heritage, ideal for creative reflection rather than production. It emphasizes immersion in local traditions such as tea ceremonies, ikebana, and historical architecture. Participants are selected from all career stages and work across a wide range of artistic disciplines. The residency supports solo creative exploration, providing private accommodation in a shared house and a stipend for meals and local travel. Flights and local transportation are arranged for accepted residents, ensuring a smooth transition to the experience. While structured events are included, the residency encourages rest, cultural engagement, and self-directed discovery. The Kyoto Retreat champions inclusivity and maintains a supportive environment free from discrimination.