Best Art Residencies in Asia

Hayama

Hayama-machi, Japan

Hayama Artist Residency, located in the scenic town of Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, offers a nurturing environment for artists to immerse in Japanese culture. The residency includes a roundtrip flight to Japan, shared accommodations at hôtel ami hayama for 4 weeks, and a weekly stipend for meals and transportation. Artists enjoy a blend of scheduled events and free time for reflection, without the pressure to create new work. A highlight is the group exhibition hosted by KOKI ARTS in Tokyo's art district, Bakurocho. Selection for the residency is made by an esteemed committee of international curators and arts professionals. The program fosters future opportunities, including a fee waiver for reapplying artists the following year.

MA UMI RESIDENCIES is a self-funded, not-for-profit international hub for artists and researchers located on the northern peninsula of Ishigaki Island, Japan, fostering experimentation with land, ocean, and local communities amid climate change concerns. It hosts one resident at a time for short-term stays of about 14 days, emphasizing fieldwork, interdisciplinary practices, and public presentations without being results-driven. Founded by artist and architect Valérie Portefaix, it includes sites like Green Rabbit, Pink Turtle, and Blue Seahorse, promoting sustainable ecological and economic models.

Swatch Art Peace Hotel

Shanghai, China

The Swatch Art Peace Hotel artist residency in Shanghai is a unique cultural initiative that combines artistic creation with the vibrant energy of the city. Established by Chema Alvargonzalez and supported by Memoria Artística Chema Alvargonzalez, it focuses on creative exchange among international artists. The residency is situated in a historic modernist-style building, fostering an inspiring environment for artists. The program invites a diverse range of contemporary artists, including dancers, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, and writers, to live and work in the heart of Shanghai. During their stay, artists contribute an artistic "trace," enriching the residency's legacy. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel embraces artistic freedom and encourages artists to explore new ideas and collaborations. This residency is known for its strong connection to the global art scene and its commitment to supporting artistic development in a dynamic urban setting.

Farm Studio International Artist Residency in Rajasthan, India, offers artists from all disciplines an opportunity to develop their work in a rural community setting. Founded to foster creative exchange, dialogue, and collaboration between Indian rural artists and international contemporary artists, Farm Studio supports community-based activities and celebrates local cultural identity. The residency provides accommodation, meals, studio spaces, and an exhibition opportunity, encouraging experimentation and intercultural exchange. Artists are responsible for their travel, visa, and personal expenses. The program hosts residencies from October to the end of February each year, accommodating 3-6 artists at a time.

K11 Art Village

Wuhan, China

The K11 Art Village, inaugurated in 2011 in Wuhan, China, is a dynamic platform designed to support and nurture emerging artists. It features seven studios and a 500-square-meter exhibition space dedicated to its artist-in-residence program. The village focuses on cultivating young talent, aiding in their artistic career development through curatorial support, project management, and creative communication guidance. It emphasizes community engagement and encourages interaction and exchange among artists and the local community. Over the past decade, K11 Art Village has established partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Nissan Art Award in Japan, the Royal Academy of Arts in the UK, and the British and French consulates in China. The K11 Art Foundation, founded by Dr. Adrian Cheng in 2010, is a non-profit organization in Hong Kong committed to nurturing emerging Asian artists and promoting contemporary art. The foundation organizes various art projects, including exhibitions, residencies, and educational programs, fostering cross-cultural collaborations with global art and cultural institutions. These collaborations have included partnerships with renowned entities like the Royal Academy of Arts, Serpentine Galleries, Centre Pompidou, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and MoMA, among others. The foundation's efforts significantly contribute to expanding creative horizons and strengthening ties within the art community.

Oreum

Seogwipo, South Korea

Oreum Residency is a 4-week program located in Seogwipo City, Jeju Island, South Korea, designed to support emerging artists from around the world. The residency fosters connections between international artists and local creatives, providing opportunities for artists to develop their work and showcase it in a final two-week exhibition. Hosted by Cedar Hill, a residential community, and co-organized by DiSilence Creative Agency and Zip Amsterdam, the residency accepts five domestic and five international artists under 35 years of age, focusing on visual arts such as drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. Participants stay in a residential facility with private bedrooms and shared workspaces, with activities like guided local tours and studio visits enriching their experience. The program culminates in an exhibition where the artists can present their work to collectors, curators, and local art enthusiasts.