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.

Akiyoshidai International Art Village

Japan

There is an AIR program “AIAV Fellowship Program”.The period of “Fellowship Program” changes every year. For more information, please visit the “ Fellowship Program” page of the AIAV website.Residency Programme since: 1998Description of Organisation: Akiyoshidai International Art Village, designed by the architect, Arata Isozaki, was founded in 1998 with the aim of providing a platform for artists in residence as well as for a variety of art forms and cultural activities. AIAV’s main hall ha

Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, Aomori Public University

Japan

ACAC（アジア芸術文化センター）は、アーティスト・イン・レジデンス（AIR）プログラムを公募しています。現代美術作家、キュレーター、研究者など、文化芸術活動に携わる方々に、展覧会、パフォーマンス、ワークショップ、トークなどの活動に向けた準備の実践機会を提供しています。これらの活動を通して、世界中からアーティストが集まり、青森の地域社会と国際交流を行う機会を提供しています。選考に選ばれたアーティストは、最長3ヶ月間ACACに滞在することができ、滞在費、渡航費、制作費が支給されます。滞在中は、リサーチと制作活動に加え、ワークショップ、トーク、共同制作、地域社会との交流プログラムなどに参加し、展覧会やパフォーマンスなど、様々な形で成果をあげることができます。ACACは、アーティスト、学生、そして地域住民が多様な交流を通して芸術体験を育む機会を提供することで、芸術教育と芸術文化の振興を目指しています。Residency Programme since: 2002Description of Organisation: 青森公立大学附属国際芸術センター青森（ACAC）は、八甲田山麓のダイナミッ

Arcus

Moriya, Ibaraki, Japan

The Arcus Artist-in-Residence Program, established in 1994 near Tokyo, supports contemporary artists in developing their creative vision. The program, known for its serene setting and focus on research-based art, invites artists to engage with Japan's vibrant art scene and local community. It offers a 90-day residency with a private studio, accommodation, production fee, and living expenses. Open to international artists proficient in English and not enrolled in non-PhD programs, Arcus fosters critical, open, and international artistic exploration.

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.

Awaji Art Circus

Awaji, Japan

Awaji Art Circus (AAC) is an international performing arts festival held annually since on Awaji Island, Japan, that gathers talented performers in circus, dance, and other performing arts genres from around the world. The program focuses on regional revitalization through collaborative performances, cultural exchange, and opportunities for artists to engage with local musicians, dancers, and communities while experiencing Japanese culture.

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.

DAIS Ishinomaki (Diversity Art Interactive Studio)

Japan

Name of Residency: DAIS AIRDAIS AIR is a self-directed Artist In Residence (AIR) program that emphasizes the production process rather than the result/outcome. Residents can interact with diverse communities and visitors, enjoy the natural environment, and “plan and execute their own plans.” Currently, we are still testing and developing pilot programs, but in the future we hope to launch the following four categories (at this point… so no guarantee):CategoriesInvitational Residency: Field Trip

DANCE BOX

Shin-Nagata, Japan

DANCE BOX is an artist residency program based in Shin-Nagata, Kobe, Japan, focused on contemporary dance and performing arts, welcoming international artists, scholars, and curators for experimentation and research often tied to local contexts like Shin-Nagata and Japanese society. Residencies typically last around 35 days or up to 8 months, providing housing, stipends, airfare support, and facilities for creation and public presentations in Kobe and partner locations. The program emphasizes collaboration with locals, rehearsal processes over final products, and themes such as transformations in arts and folk performing arts.

Edeiken International Arts Foundation

Yokohama, Japan

The Edeiken International Arts Foundation (EIAF) offers a one-month Artist-in-Residence program at 7artscafe in Yokohama, Japan, exclusively for professional musicians, composers, sound artists, and interdisciplinary creators. The program provides a $10,000 USD grant covering travel, housing, and living expenses, with residents required to present at least four free public events and a final concert or sound installation.

EIAF Artist-in-Residence Grant at 7artscafe for international musicians/sound artists. 1-month residency (Apr -Mar ), $10K grant for travel/housing/etc. Requires 4 public events & final performance.

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum Artist in Residence

Fukuoka, Japan

The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum Artist in Residence Program, started in 1999, invites local and international artists, including those from Asia, to stay in Fukuoka for 70-90 days to create and exhibit artworks such as paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films, and performances. Participants collaborate with local artists and the public, organize workshops and talks, and contribute to cultural exchange and understanding of contemporary Asian art. The program provides studio space in Artist Cafe Fukuoka and short-stay apartment accommodation, with financial support for one person per group in open calls.

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.

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.

Kinosaki International Arts Center

Toyooka, Japan

The Kinosaki International Arts Center (KIAC) in Toyooka, Japan, is an artist-in-residence program focused on contemporary performing arts, including theater, dance, music, and performance, offering residencies year-round from 7 days to 3 months. It provides free access to a hall, six rehearsal studios, and housing for up to 7 rooms, with technical staff support, though artists cover production costs and pay a small daily utility fee. Selected through an open call process, residents engage in creation, research, and community exchange in the scenic hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen.

Koganecho Area Management Center

Yokohama, Japan

The Koganecho Area Management Center (KAMC) in Yokohama, Japan, runs artist-in-residence programs to revitalize the Koganecho district through art and community engagement. It offers short-term residencies of 3 months and long-term ones of 1 year (renewable up to 5 years), providing studios and shared facilities for active artists of various genres. Programs support research, creation, local interactions, and public presentations, with a focus on visual arts, performing arts, and more.

SAIKONEON

Japan

Name of Residency: SAIKONEONArtist-in-residence SAIKO NEON was established in April 2019, aiming to provide a space for research, creation and exchange of knowledge for various artists and designers of various boundaries. The residency program is accepting applications throughout the year. Our residency staffs and the partner gallery staffs will be selecting artists who can create and express exciting works, as well as artists with works that provoke our curiosity about their unique personality.

Sapporo Tenjinyama Art Studio

Sapporo Tenjiyama Art Studio (Inside Tenjin-yama park) 1-80, Japan

Tenjin-yama Art Studios offers ongoing residencies which are funded by the artist and provide them with a studio apartment, use of all the public facilities and a wealth of local knowledge from the staff. The ongoing residencies are open to any individual or group in any creative field who need access to activity in Sapporo, a space to research or produce work from, or a base from which to explore Hokkaido for creative means. Residencies that offer financial support to artists are detailed at th

Saruya Artist Residency

Japan

Name of Residency: Saruya Artist ResidencySARUYA is an Artist Residency in Japan,  located at the bottom of Mt. Fuji,in the city of Fujiyoshida.SARUYA Artist Residency offers studio space and accommodation in the Mt Fuji area in Japan. The duration of the residency is between 2 weeks and 3 months .Since 2017, SARUYA has received more than 30 artists from all over the world. As such, our goal is to foster cultural and artistic exchanges between Japanese artists and foreign artists. We accept any

Studio Kura

Nijomasue 586, Japan

Name of Residency: Studio Kura Artist in Residence ProgramA small artist-run residence program in a rural environment just 45 minutes away from one of the largest Japanese cities. The host wish that the resident artist will enjoy engaging with the unique community and environment. Japanese is not required.Residency Programme since: 2007Description of Organisation: Studio Kura is a company devoted to art. Our activities include art lessons and workshops for children as well as for adults, and org

Teshima ShinAiKan AIR

Japan

Name of Residency: Teshima ShinAiKan AIROur residency invites artists from various disciplines to stay and create on Teshima, one of the venues of the Setouchi Triennale, located in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea and internationally known for its natural beauty and contemporary art.The island retains a strong sense of traditional Japanese community and food culture. Artists can immerse themselves in local life while focusing on their practice in a quiet and peaceful environment. By engaging with reside

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.

The Saison Foundation

Tokyo, Japan

The Saison Foundation's Artist in Residence program, based at Morishita Studio in Tokyo, supports international artists and arts managers in researching Japan's contemporary performing arts scene through residencies focused on theater, dance, and performance. It provides grants including travel, daily living expenses up to 5,000 JPY, research costs, accommodation, and studio access, with typical durations of 1-3 months such as November-December and January-March periods. The program fosters international networks and collaborations by selecting fellows expected to influence the global performing arts field.

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.

Toma House AIR

Japan

Toma House is an art space in an 18th-century former Shinto priest family’s house in Nara city. We aim to preserve this historic house and advocate art from different disciplines to the public with exhibitions and events.

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.

Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media

Yamaguchi, Japan

The Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media (YCAM) in Yamaguchi City, Japan, hosts artist-in-residence programs focused on creating innovative artworks that integrate media technology, often in collaboration with local residents, experts, and the center's InterLab research team. Artists utilize the center's facilities, including studios and exhibition spaces, for production, workshops, lectures, and research aimed at advancing media art and exploring its social role. Opened in and designed by Arata Isozaki, YCAM emphasizes interdisciplinary projects from prototyping to presentation without on-site housing.

YUI-PORT(Niigata City Center for Creative Arts and International Youth Exchange)

Japan

In YUI – PORT´s Artist-in-Residence project, there are 2 programs “Invitation Program”and“Autonomous Activity Program”. In each program and season, we will invite two pairs of artists etc. by open calls.In “Invitation Program”, we support long-term residence of invited artists etc. who were selected by open calls in spring and autumn. In “Invitation Program”, transportation expense, production cost and residing expenses will be paid within regulations. Open call from August to September