Artist-in-Residence Program 2026 Visual Arts Division

KYOTO ART CENTER offers an artist-in-residence program to support the creative activities of emerging artists and researchers in the field of arts who seek to create new artistic expression through exposure to different cultures.
For details of the program, click here.

This year, open calls will be accepted from artists or researchers working in the field of visual arts.

Qualifications

◎An emerging artist or researcher active in the field of visual arts who has a clear reason for staying in Kyoto for production, research, etc.
*Literature and cross-genre applicants are eligible to apply every year.
◎Participants must be able to plan and implement exchange projects with the public during their participation period.
◎Capable of communicating in English or Japanese

Support

◎Provide a place to stay during the period of stay (up to 3 months in principle)
◎Provide a studio at KYOTO ART CENTER
◎Round-trip airfare (Economy class) from residential area to Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport
◎Subsidy of 200,000 yen (tax included) per production (for both individuals and groups)
◎Cooperation in public relations
◎Assistance by art coordinators

Period of stay

Within 3 months between April 1, 2026 (Wed) and March 31, 2027 (Wed)

How to Apply

1) First, please fill out all items on the application sheet in English or Japanese.

Application Sheet（English：Word）：https://www.kac.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AIR_application_2026_ENG-1.doc
Application Sheet(English：PDF）：https://www.kac.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AIR_application_2026_ENG-1.pdf

Application Sheet 応募用紙（Japanese：Word）：https://www.kac.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AIR_application_2026_JP.doc
Application Sheet 応募用紙（Japanese：PDF）：https://www.kac.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AIR_application_2026_JP-1.pdf

2) Next, please fill out all items on the application form accessing from the link below and add the application you fill out in 1) at the designated area in the form and then complete the application entry by the end of the application period.
　*Please name the file with your name.　Ex. File_YourName.pdf

Application Form: https://forms.gle/cvbpyGdgJVqxmLgb7

*Please do not attach images or video files directly to the application form, but write the URL in the designated field on the application sheet.
*Please attach your portfolio at the end of the application form.
　*Please name the portfolio with your name.　Ex. Portfolio_YourName.pdf
*Incomplete applications will not be subjected to review.

Application Acceptance Period

June 30, 2025 (Mon) – August 31, 2025 (Sun), 23:59 (JST)
[must complete the application entry by this date].
*Applications received outside of this period will not be accepted.

Selection and Results

Selection will be made by a selection committee composed of experts and applicants will be notified by e-mail (scheduled for late November 2025). Please note that inquiries regarding the selection process will not be accepted.

Notes

◎Food, artist fees, and other living expenses will not be provided.
◎Please prepare your own supplies for production, research, and other activities.
◎After the completion of the residency, you will be required to submit a report.
◎If you will be traveling with a production assistant or family member, please discuss with us in advance. Please note that the support is only applicable to the artist.
◎In the event of accidents, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances during your stay, you are responsible for your own safety. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

FAQ

You could check answers to frequently asked questions from the link below.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DpDBUgA-XV37clYkJB_HRyCosWPLGBDHCpshhNeEo-A/edit?usp=sharing
If you have further questions, please contact us by E-mail.
E-mail: residence[at]kac.or.jp
*Please change [at] to @.

Please note that in principle, we cannot answer each inquiry individually.

Contact / Inquiries

KYOTO ART CENTER Artist-in-Residence Program Section
546-2, Yamabushiyama-cho, Takoyakushi-sagaru, Muromachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8156, Japan
TEL: +81-(0)75-213-1000 / FAX: +81-(0)75-213-1004
E-mail: residence[at]kac.or.jp
*Please change [at] to @
•Opening hours: 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. JST
*The center may temporarily close for a regular check of equipment.