Performance Residencies in Japan

AIR 3331

Tokyo, Japan

AIR 3331, based in the heart of Tokyo, Japan, is an Artist in Residence program that continues to thrive despite the closure of its parent facility, 3331 Arts Chiyoda, in 2023. Managed by Command A, an artist-run initiative, AIR 3331 immerses artists in the local community and offers a platform to cultivate creativity across various disciplines including visual and media art, design, performance arts, music, and architecture. The program, under the supervision of Masato Nakamura, a prominent figure in Japan's art scene, provides artists the unique opportunity to stay, create, and present their work in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, encouraging deep engagement with the local culture and art community.

Art Center Ongoing

Tokyo, Japan

Art Center Ongoing, founded in January 2008 in Tokyo, Japan, is a vibrant art complex featuring a gallery, library, and café. Known for fostering experimental art, it has introduced numerous artists and facilitated various events, including talks, performances, and workshops. Since 2013, Art Center Ongoing has run an artist-in-residence program, building a strong network with the international art community. The center offers a 2-month residency, providing accommodation and exhibition opportunities, and aims to be a space where diverse individuals can engage with contemporary art. Situated in the culturally rich Kichijoji area, it serves as a crucial hub for young, active artists in Tokyo’s art scene.

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.

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.

Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS)

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS) offers the International Creator Residency Program, inviting distinguished and highly motivated international creators in fields such as visual art, film, design, and architecture. The program provides opportunities for creative activities in Tokyo, emphasizing cultural exchange and independent project work. The residency is divided into two main categories: Individual Projects and Theme Projects. Individual Projects offer a 3-month residency during specified periods, while Theme Projects focus on specific themes, encouraging collaborative exploration. The residency provides airfare, living expenses, a fee for creative work, and living space in single rooms, with shared studio facilities. Applications are evaluated based on artistic merit and project proposals, culminating in a result exhibition or open studio presentation. TOKAS fosters an enriching environment for creators to develop their work and engage with Tokyo’s vibrant cultural landscape.