Visual Arts Residencies in Japan

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.

Arts Initiative Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

Arts Initiative Tokyo (AIT) is a residency program in Tokyo that hosts artists, curators, writers, educators, and practitioners for 1-3 month research-focused stays, emphasizing interdisciplinary work, international exchange, and connections to the Japanese art scene rather than production or studio work. It operates on a partnership model with international organizations, providing housing in a converted Japanese storehouse in Yukigaya or central apartments, and encourages participation in AIT's educational and dialogue activities. Recent themes include holism, well-being, climate crisis, art brut, spirituality, and alternative education.

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

CHINO BASE AIR

SHIGA, Japan

The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park (SCCP) in Shiga, Japan, offers an Artist in Residence program since 1992, providing ceramic artists and visual artists a creative space to work freely without a fixed curriculum. Residents can stay from 2 months to 1 year, with access to studios, accommodations (fee charged), technical support, exhibitions, and for guest artists, travel grants, artist fees, and material costs.

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.

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

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.

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.

KAB Library and Residency

Tokyo, Japan

KAB Library and Residency is a membership library and artist residency program located in an old renovated folk house in Kyojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, operating as a guesthouse for international artists and curators to immerse in research and creation. Established in January by a private organization, it combines a mysterious library with lodging facilities in the heart of old Tokyo. Visitors are welcome by appointment only, with easy access from nearby stations like Keisei-Hikifune.

Kamiyama Artist in Residence

Tokushima, Japan

The Kamiyama Artist in Residence (KAIR) program, established in 1999, invites 3-5 artists annually to Kamiyama, Tokushima, Japan, for collaborative projects with locals, culminating in exhibitions, workshops, and open studios. Artists reside in provided two-story houses and studios, drawing inspiration from the town's natural surroundings and cultural heritage to create original works. A self-funded 'Bed & Studio' option is available outside the main September-November period.

Kyoto Art Center

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Art Center's Artist-in-Residence Program supports emerging artists and researchers in pursuing creative activities in Kyoto, alternating annually between visual arts and performing arts, with focused on visual arts, literature, and cross-genre works. Participants must plan and implement public exchange projects and communicate in English or Japanese, with stays up to three months between April and March . The program provides accommodation, a studio, round-trip economy airfare, a 200,000 JPY production subsidy, and coordinator assistance.

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.

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

NPO ANEWAL GALLERY

Kyoto, Japan

NPO ANEWAL GALLERY in Kyoto, Japan, runs non-profit international artist residency programs such as Kyoto Kinugasa Art Residence for Community (KKARC) and AN AIR, welcoming artists, writers, curators, researchers, and educators worldwide for personal exploration, professional development, co-living, and community collaboration. These programs provide accommodation, workspaces or studios (including garage studio for visual artists), and facilitate connections with local culture, historical sites, galleries, and artists, often in partnership with Kyoto Art Center. Residencies emphasize interaction with the Kinugasa area community, urban planning insights, and broadening artistic viewpoints beyond disciplines.

Oharano Studio Gallery

Kyoto, Japan

Oharano Studio Gallery in Kyoto's Oharano area offers artist residencies where participants engage with the region's rich nature, history, local research, and community exchanges to create artworks. Selected artists receive a free two-week stay, with their work featured in Don Magazine Issue 14, releasing September 20, . The program operates from an art studio space that doubles as a gallery for exhibitions.

PARADISE AIR

Matsudo-city, Japan

PARADISE AIR is an artist-in-residence program in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, housed in the vacant floors of a former hotel above a pachinko parlor, launched in to support artists, curators, and researchers. It offers three main programs: SHORTSTAY (about 3 weeks, open year-round), LONGSTAY (3 months with comprehensive support including travel and accommodation), and LEARN (fostering city interactions). The program aims to enrich Matsudo's culture through artist-resident collaborations.

Sadou Inn

Japan

Name of Residency: Naoshima Artist Residency (spring session)The Naoshima Artist Residency program is the rare opportunity for an extended stay on the exclusive art island, Naoshima. The resident can take their time to visit the museums, peaceful beaches, and explore the nooks and crannies of the island, absorbing the special magic of the Seto Inland Sea. The combination of stimulation and inspiration with isolation and peace, is ideal for creating a new body of work.Optional: The opportunity fo

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 Artist in Residence

Sapporo, Japan

S-AIR (Sapporo Artist-in-Residence) was established in 1999 with partial funding by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to run an artist-in-residence programme in Hokkaido. Since , S-AIR has hosted 3 artists and one curator/researcher each year, mostly on an exchange basis, fostering unique arts and culture at an international level by inviting leading contemporary artists and promoting exchange with local artists and communities.

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

Shiro Oni Studio

Fujioka, Japan

Shiro Oni Studio is an artist residency program in Onishi, Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, founded in by American artist Kjell Hahn to provide international artists with private studios, exhibition spaces, and opportunities for community interaction in a rural Japanese setting. Groups of 8-9 artists typically stay for 6 weeks, participating in workshops, local events, and a group exhibition while fostering cultural exchange. The program emphasizes individual work free from urban distractions, surrounded by mountains, and has hosted over 250 artists from 30 countries.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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