SADO ISLAND INTERNATIONAL ARTIST RESIDENCY
Features
Studio spaceAvailable
AccommodationNot available
Presentation spaces (gallery, hall)Available
Travel supportNot available
Accommodation subsidy / Accommodation providedNot available
Production budgetNot available
Program CoodinatorAvailable
Technical staffNot available
Art genresVisual arts/ Fine arts , Performing arts , Craft / Applied arts , Film / Video , Others
RegionsHokuriku / Shinetsu
| Program | |
|---|---|
| Application period | Jul. 1, 2026 (Wed.) - Mar. 31, 2027 (Wed.) |
| Description | This program expands its scope beyond conventional artistic expressions, warmly welcoming researchers, curators engaging in field research on history, traditional performing arts, and the environment, as well as research-based art projects. Sado Island offers a dense, multilayered field for confronting the divisions and challenges of contemporary society—from the silent historical memories embodied in Zeami’s Noh theater to the ecological endeavors surrounding cohabitation with the once-extinct Crested Ibis (Toki). While this residency has previously hosted practices that dive deep into the island’s context, we have now explicitly stated this in our guidelines, recognizing a profound affinity for Sado as a site for such immersive production and inquiry. Distinct from venues dedicated solely to exhibiting or presenting finished works, this AIR functions as a platform for deep community engagement and the crucial pre-production phase of "research" (investigation and dialogue). It is a space for experimentation, where residing artists, curators, and researchers collaborate with the local community to co-create unprecedented values and critical inquiries for society. In an era where the world faces various socio-political divisions and climate crises, we await applications from practitioners and seekers ready to explore the possibilities of artistic expression and research from the unique field of Sado Island. |
| Residency location | 53-1, Ryotsu Ebisu, Sado-shi, Niigata, Japan |
| Residency period | *Target period July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) to March 31, 2027 (Friday) ※However, the one month of August 2026 is excluded. |
| Qualification | Activities to be recruited: Activities that are feasible in one of the following ※ (1) Visual Arts (installation, painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, prints, video, design, manga, media art, crafts and textiles (ceramics, bamboo crafts, dyeing and weaving, etc.), illustration, etc.) (2) Performing Arts (theater, dance, music, performance, traditional performing arts, acoustic arts (sound art, etc.), etc.) (3) Language Arts (novels, poetry, plays, scripts, essays, reviews, etc.) (4) Art projects based on research and fieldwork (including activities based on research of local history, folklore, natural environment, industry, etc.) (5) Socially Engaged Art/Community Art (activities that approach social and regional issues through collaboration, dialogue, workshops, etc. with local residents, etc.) (6) Curation, study groups, symposiums, lectures *Eligibility 1. Duration: Individuals or groups who can stay and work on Sado Island for a minimum of 7 days up to a maximum of 3 months. 2. Language: Ability to communicate effectively in either Japanese or English. (If interpretation for other languages is required, the arrangements and costs must be covered by the applicant.) 3. Self-Sufficiency: Ability to independently manage daily life responsibilities, including meal preparation, laundry, and cleaning. 4. Community Engagement: A strong desire and willingness to engage with local residents and visitors during the stay. 5. Compliance: Willingness to understand and follow the residency guidelines and regulations (a participation agreement will be signed upon selection). 6. Financial Independence: Ability to secure your own funding for travel, local transportation, living expenses, facility fees, and all expenses related to production and research. Applicants must arrange and cover their own travel/medical insurance to cover potential medical expenses, as well as visa acquisition fees if required. *Terms & Conditions 1. Payment of Facility Fee: Agreement to pay the following studio/workspace utilization fees by the designated deadline: Individual participation: 22,000 yen (tax included) / 1 session (1 week) Group participation: 22,000 yen (tax included) + 5,500 yen (tax included) per additional person / 1 session (1 week) Utilities and in-studio Wi-Fi access are fully included in the above fee. 2. Execution of a Community Exchange Program: Planning and organizing a "Community Exchange Program" (see details below) to connect with the Sado community and visitors during the residency. 3. Credit Acknowledgment: Including credit for the "Sado International Art Promotion Organization" on all promotional materials, exhibitions, or presentations of works created during the residency. 4. PR & Documentation Cooperation: Cooperating with the organization's archiving and promotional efforts (photography, video recording, and information sharing for our website/SNS). Note: The copyright of all activities and works created during the stay remains entirely with the artist. About the Community Exchange Program This program aims to open up your creative process and artistic activities to the public, fostering organic connections with local citizens and visitors. Artists are required to host at least one public event during their stay, free of charge. (Examples: Exhibition, open studio, open rehearsal, workshop, artist talk, or networking event. Formats are flexible.) |
| Pay by artists / Support for artists | This program welcomes applications from both individual artists and groups/collectives. Accommodation is not provided. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own lodging expenses. The organization can provide recommendations and consultation regarding nearby accommodations. The following expenses must be covered or secured independently by the applicant: Facility utilization fee (Studio/Workspace fee) Travel expenses to/from Sado Island, and local transportation costs within the island Living expenses (Food expenses, accommodation expenses, etc.), production costs, and research expenses during the stay Travel and medical insurance fees (Applicants must arrange their own insurance to cover potential medical treatments, illnesses, or accidents during the residency) Visa acquisition fees (if applicable for international participants) To ensure that participating artists can focus on their research and creative processes with peace of mind, the organization provides the following support and facilities: Creative & Exhibition Space: Access to the studio and the exhibition space "TAACHI." Transportation Support: Vehicle pickup and drop-off between Ryotsu Port and the facility on the first day (arrival) and the final day (departure). Local Research & Logistical Assistance: Accompanied support by car for daily shopping and community research—such as location scouting, material sourcing, and introductions to locals (up to 2 times a week, maximum 2 hours per session). Utilities & Infrastructure: Fully covered studio utilities (electricity, water, heating) and access to the in-studio Wi-Fi network. Accommodation Counseling: Consultation and recommendations for nearby private rooms, apartments, or local lodgings. Local Mobility: Free rental of city bicycles (Mamachari). |
| Selection process | Please specify your preferred dates of stay and submit the following required documents compiled into a single PDF file (maximum file size: 5MB) via email to contact@sia-promotion.org. *Required Documents 1. CV (Artist Resume) 2. Portfolio (Including images of past works, and links to videos or websites) 3. Residency Proposal (Project Plan) Results will be notified via email within one month of receiving the complete application. |
| Contact | contact@sia-promotion.org |