Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, Artist in Residence Program 2026 “EAT”
Features
StudiosAvailable
AccommodationsAvailable
Presentation(exhibition, performance, and open studio)Available
Grants and subsidies for travel expensesAvailable
Grants and other financial supports/ Support by coordinators and art professionalsAvailable
Art genresVisual arts/ Fine arts , Performing arts , Craft / Applied arts , Film / Video , Others
RegionsTohoku
| Program | |
|---|---|
| Application period | Feb. 25, 2026 (Wed.) - Apr. 10, 2026 (Fri.) |
| Description | Since its opening, Aomori Contemporary Art Centre (ACAC) has conducted an Artist in Residence (AIR) program via open call nearly every year. This year, we have classified residencies focused primarily on artistic activities (research, production of artworks, and presentation of results) under a “Creator framework.” In addition, we have added a new “Mediator framework” to encourage participation from a broad range of creatives, such as researchers and curators, whose activities are less focused on the production and presentation of artworks. The results of the “Creator framework” residencies will be presented – as artwork exhibitions, performances, workshops, or other formats – during the Results Presentation period. Presentation of results is not required for those participating under the “Mediator framework”; instead, we expect that their research activities will be premised on proactive dialogue and collaboration with the “Creator framework” participants and local residents. In both cases, residency participants will receive continuous support from ACAC staff, from research, production, and the organization of various events, all the way to the Results Presentation. Their activities will also be made available to the public through our website, program catalogs, etc. The residence period consists of a core period lasting for 62 days (61 nights) from October 9 to December 9, 2026, during which the participants will, in principle, reside at ACAC. If desired, participants may reside at ACAC for a maximum of 92 days (91 nights) from September 15 to December 15, 2026. Please select a residence period appropriate for your desired activities. Each year, the open-call AIR program is given a different title; the 2026 program will be conducted under the theme of “EAT.” ACAC’s location in the foothills of the Hakkoda Mountains is a landscape thriving with food, home to a diverse array of wildlife, grasses, herbs, nuts, fruits, and edible mountain plants. On the other hand, wild animals such as bears and monkeys have been appearing in human spaces more frequently in recent years. For rural areas like this, the question of how to coexist alongside non-human life is becoming an urgent one. These changes are not unrelated to the impacts of human activities, impacts which include climate change. “Eating” is not an activity reserved only for humans, but one that is practiced by all living things. In this year’s open-call AIR, we will move away from anthropocentric perspectives to reconsider our relationships with other species and the environment, taking “food” as our starting point. Here, “food” is understood in a broad sense which includes not only practices such as cooking and harvesting, but also subjects such as memory, narrative, spiritual belief, and distribution. We expect participants to approach their creative activities by moving back and forth between thought and practice as they immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape. 〇Number of Participants 1. Creator framework Participants under this framework will engage in creative activities such as research, production, and presentation of results. Participants may, if desired, conduct a separate sub-program in addition to their main activity. Participants selected from applicants residing outside Japan: 1 to 2 Participants selected from applicants residing in Japan: 1 to 2 2. Mediator framework The participant under this framework will engage in research activities focused on dialogue and collaboration with the local community and with those participating under the “Creative framework.” This participant may, if desired, conduct a separate sub-program in addition to their main activity. The participant will also submit a research report. Participant selected from applicants residing in or outside Japan: 1 * Applicants may only apply to one framework (either the “Creator framework” or the “Mediator framework.” 〇Details on Official web site https://acac-aomori.jp/public/ 〇Reference: Same program last year (FY2025) https://acac-aomori.jp/program/2025-1/ Design: UENISHI Yuri |
| Residency location | Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, Aomori Public University |
| Residency period | The core period of the residency will last for 62 days (61 nights) from October 9 to December 9, 2026, during which the participants will, in principle, reside at ACAC. If desired, participants may reside at ACAC for the entire program period, or a maximum of 92 days (91 nights), from September 15 to December 15, 2026. Core period: October 9 (Fri) – December 9 (Wed), 2026 Program period: September 15 (Tue) – December 15 (Tue), 2026 |
| Qualification | a. Applicants must be individuals or groups engaged in artistic pursuits, including artists, curators, producers, art managers, art coordinators, researchers, writers, academics, designers, etc., regardless of background or genre. (Hereafter referred to as “participant(s).”) b. Participants must understand the purpose of their visit to ACAC and be able to reside and participate during the duration of the residence period. * Remote participation will be allowed if the organizer deems it to be necessary. c. Participants under the “Creator framework” must present the results of their residency during the Results Presentation period. (Results may be presented in any format, including but not limited to exhibitions of artwork, performances, and workshops.) The participant under the “Mediator framework” must engage in research activities that entail dialogue and collaboration with the “Creator framework” participants, and must also submit a research report. d. Participants must be able to communicate in English or Japanese. e. Participants must be in good health. (Please consult with us in advance if you require special support) f. Participants must cooperate with ACAC staff in the setup and cleanup of exhibitions or events held during the residence period. g. Participants must be willing and able to share the communal residence facilities with the other participants during the residence period. |
| Pay by artists / Support for artists | Travel expenses In accordance with Aomori Public University’s regulations regarding travel expenses, THE ORGANIZER will pay for travel expenses equivalent to 1 round trip during the program period. For residents of Japan, this will generally be calculated as the travel expenses required to travel between the train station nearest to the participant's current place of residence and ACAC. For participants who reside outside of Japan, this will be calculated as the travel expenses required to travel between the international airport nearest to the participant’s current place of residence and Aomori Airport, and between Aomori Airport and ACAC. * Expenses will be paid after the participant has arrived in Aomori. * The maximum payment amount is 100,000 JPY for those residing in Japan, and 300,000 JPY for those residing overseas. * Travel expenses will not be paid to Aomori City residents. * Expenses for the transportation of goods or materials will be borne by the participant. Production expenses / Activity expenses THE ORGANIZER will provide 300,000 JPY to PARTICIPANTS under the “Creator framework” for production expenses that THE ORGANIZER deems necessary for THE PARTICIPANTS to carry out their creative activities (including costs for research, materials, exhibition installation and removal, etc.). THE ORGANIZER will provide 50,000 JPY to THE PARTICIPANT under the “Mediator framework” for activity expenses that THE ORGANIZER deems necessary for THE PARTICIPANT to carry out their research. Sub-program expenses If any PARTICIPANTS wish to conduct a sub-program, THE ORGANIZER will prepare and bear the costs (limit: 10,000 JPY per PARTICIPANT) of any materials deemed necessary for the sub-program after due consultation with THE PARTICIPANTS. Additionally, THE ORGANIZER will pay an honorarium of 50,000 JPY to each PARTICIPANT conducting a sub-program. * Each individual PARTICIPANT or group of PARTICIPANTS will only receive a single honorarium of 50,000 JPY, even if they conduct multiple sub-programs. Studio THE ORGANIZER will allow THE PARTICIPANT to use the Creative Hall at ACAC free of charge during the duration of the program. * The Creative Hall is a shared workspace. There are no private studios. THE ORGANIZER will regularly clean the Creative Hall, but THE PARTICIPANT should keep their own work area clean. When THE PARTICIPANT has completed their production activities related to this program, they must return all facilities and equipment to the organizer in their original condition. Accommodation allowance In accordance with Aomori Public University’s regulations regarding travel expenses, THE ORGANIZER will pay a per diem accommodation allowance for the duration of each PARTICIPANT’S stay during the program period. However, if THE PARTICIPANTS travel outside Aomori Prefecture for personal reasons, no per diem will be paid for the number of nights spent outside the prefecture. The same applies if THE PARTICIPANTS arrive at ACAC late or leave the program early. * The accommodation allowance is 2,400 JPY per night. Accommodation THE ORGANIZER will provide THE PARTICIPANT with private accommodations and accompanying facilities in the Residence Hall at ACAC free of charge during the program period (single room; 19.44m2). THE PARTICIPANT can use the shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. THE ORGANIZER will perform regular cleaning of the Residence Hall. However, THE PARTICIPANT must keep their private room and the bathroom and kitchen facilities clean. Upon leaving ACAC, THE PARTICIPANT must return all facilities to their original condition. Internet THE PARTICIPANT can use the wireless internet provided throughout the facilities. Insurance THE ORGANIZER will arrange and pay for an accident insurance policy covering the duration of THE PARTICIPANT’s residency. THE PARTICIPANT is free to enroll in additional public or private insurance, such as health insurance, at their own expense. * Works presented at the Results Presentation or any sub-programs, etc., are not covered by this accident insurance policy. Program catalog THE ORGANIZER will produce a program catalog and present 20 copies of the catalog to THE PARTICIPANT. |
| Selection process | Based on submitted materials, artists will be selected by 2026 guest judge IWAMA Asako and the ACAC director and curatorial staff. Applicants will be informed of the final decision by email in late June, 2026. |
| Contact | For inquiries regarding application to this program, please contact us using the Inquiry form on the ACAC website. * Please note that we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone. Inquiry form: https://acac-aomori.jp/inquiry/ |