Photography 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.

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.

Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, Aomori Public University

152-6, 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

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.

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.

Bridge Studio

Sakyo Ward, Japan

Name of Residency: Bridge StudioOriginally used as a pediatric hospital, Bridge Studio was left vacant for 23 years. In February 2024, it is reborn as our largest and newest location. There are a total of eight rooms in use across two floors, including a former examination room, waiting room, and living space. The building itself has a unique architectural blend of half Western and half Japanese; it is being carefully renovated to preserve its character and history.Bridge Studio welcomes artists

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.

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.

Name of Residency: Metropolitan FukujusouThis old house was built in a time when Japan was not rich yet, the inside structure is simple and minimal. It may be inconvenient for you, but you will be able to feel something like Zen by being in this simple and minimal space, this simple lifestyle. And you will become feeling comfortable after you got used to it, and discover the pure beauty in these, and be able to have new inspirations. Such the experience is just one example, but it would be pleas

Saruya Artist Residency

3-28-8 Shimoyoshida Fujiyoshida-shi, 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

TartAMI Residence

240-1 Ikedashimochou, Japan

This is a new-style art using old tatami mat as a canvas, tartami.

Teshima ShinAiKan AIR

43-1 Teshima Ieura, 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.

Toma House AIR

1325-1 Takabatake-cho, 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.