Eligibility

The applicant must: --- be an artist engaged in contemporary visual arts or other related fields. --- be resident outside Japan and able to enter Japan legally. --- not be enrolled at an educational institution during the program period unless it is a PhD program. --- have an English-language ability proficient enough to communicate with other artists and staff. Applications are accepted from groups. However, all provisions (transportation fee, allowance, accommodation, etc.) are for one individual only (not per person). These may be shared between the members of a group.

Number of Participants

2 artists/groups (concurrently with one artist / group residing in Japan)

Deadline

March 18, 2026 15:00 UTC

Selection Results (Announcement Dates)

May 19, 2026 15:00 UTC

Duration

September 08, 2026 - December 09, 2026

Funding

• ¥540,000 stipend (one-time)

Costs

• ¥3,500 application fee

Housing

Apartment

Languages

English, Japanese

Program Description

The program particularly emphasizes research-based experimentation and practices focusing on the artists’ individually defined inquiries and challenges, and presents the initial results of these processes at open studios. It welcomes ideas for artworks and projects that develop out of encounters with people, the land, and culture, and aspire to form critical spaces that are open and international. In 2026, the ARCUS Project will relocate to a site on the grounds of a currently operating elementary school in Moriya City. While maintaining the quality of the creative environment, we hope to develop programs even more open and engaged with the local community. Program Period September 11 through December 9, 2026 (90 days) Round-trip (economy class) airfare from the international airport nearest their home to Narita International Airport or Tokyo International Airport is provided. The studio team coordinates meetings with Japanese arts professionals, informants, and interpreters.