Design 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.

Beppu Project

Beppu City, Japan

Beppu Project is a non-profit art organization founded in April that operates artist residency programs in Beppu City, a renowned hot spring area in southern Japan. The organization hosts the KASHIMA Artist in Residence program (since ) and short-term residencies at Kiyoshima Apartment, welcoming artists across multiple disciplines to create work while engaging with the local community.

Contemporary Art Center Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu, Japan

Non-profit center est. 1997 in Kitakyushu for study/research in contemporary art. Offers fellowships for young artists/curators in art, curatorial work, design, architecture; includes studios, seminars, exhibitions.

CROSS ART TOKONAME

Tokoname, Japan

TOUCH!TOKONAME is an artist-in-residence program established in by CROSS ART TOKONAME to support the 70th Anniversary of Tokoname City. The program provides studio and residence space to artists from Japan and abroad to conduct fieldwork and artistic activities in Tokoname, a historic pottery town with 1000 years of ceramic tradition.

Space Department Nara

Nara, Japan

SPACE DEPARTMENT Nara is a design hub and artist-in-residence facility in the World Heritage city of Nara, Japan, welcoming artists, architects, designers, researchers, and students focused on spatial design, architecture, and creative activities related to 'space.' It supports residents in conducting research, creating works inspired by Japanese culture and philosophy, and presenting results through workshops, events, exhibitions, or talks to connect with local communities. Residencies typically last 1-6 months, with private accommodation and workspace provided for a fee, and no stipend offered.

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.

Villa Kujoyama

Kyoto, Japan

Villa Kujoyama is a pluridisciplinary research residency located in Kyoto, Japan that has welcomed established and emerging artists, artisans, and creators since 1992. The residency provides time and space for residents to dedicate themselves fully to their practice and research while engaging with artistic, cultural, academic, and economic communities across Japan. It is operated by Institut français du Japon and supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.