SPACE DEPARTMENT Artist-in-Residence Program 2027
Features
Studio spaceAvailable
AccommodationAvailable
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
RegionsKansai
| Program | |
|---|---|
| Application period | Oct. 1, 2026 (Thu.) - Aug. 31, 2027 (Tue.) |
| Description | SPACE DEPARTMENT Nara is an artist-run, independent creative hub and artist-in-residence program based in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Since 2023, we have welcomed 46 artists and creative practitioners from 22 countries. The residency is conducted primarily in English, making it accessible to international participants. With “space” as its central theme, our program is research-based and welcomes artists, architects, designers, researchers, and other practitioners whose work engages with physical, architectural, environmental, cultural, social, sensory, or experiential space. Residents stay in a private, self-contained house within a local community, with accommodation not shared with other artists. The houses are within walking distance of the World Heritage sites of Toshodaiji and Yakushiji, and less than 40 minutes by train from both Osaka and Kyoto. This provides an independent and quiet environment for living, research, and creative work while remaining connected to the wider Kansai region. Residents are encouraged to develop their own research and creative direction through engagement with Nara’s history, culture, architecture, landscape, materials, light, and people. Through exchanges with local artists and communities, as well as talks, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities, the program creates opportunities for new connections and perspectives in Nara. |
| Residency location | SPACE DEPARTMENT |
| Residency period | March 1, 2027 – November 30, 2027 • Minimum stay: 1 month • Maximum stay: 3 months • Residencies begin on the 1st of each month and end on the last day of the selected month. • Check-in: After 12:00 PM on the first day • Check-out: By 12:00 PM on the final day • Residency periods are subject to availability. |
| Qualification | SPACE DEPARTMENT welcomes artists, architects, designers, researchers, and other creative practitioners from Japan and abroad. We are a research-based residency that supports independent artistic research and creative development. We welcome practices related to art, architecture, installation, spatial design, performance, sculpture, site-specific work, and other interdisciplinary practices that explore space, place, the environment, or the relationship between the physical body and its surroundings. Both emerging and established practitioners are welcome. Applicants should be independent and self-directed, with an interest in researching, experimenting, or developing their practice through engagement with Nara. |
| Pay by artists / Support for artists | Fees USD 1,400 per person / month Individual applicants or groups (or family) of up to 4 people are welcome. Groups of 2 or more are subject to an additional fee. Please contact us in advance for group rates and availability. Included in the Residency Fee • Accommodation • Workspace / studio access • Wi-Fi • Utilities • Use of available facilities and basic tools Not Included in the Residency Fee • Travel to and from Japan • Food and personal living expenses • Materials and production costs for artworks • Travel and health insurance • Fees for additional workshops or activities with local artists • Shipping and transportation costs for artworks and materials Deposit A JPY 70,000 is required to confirm the reservation. The deposit will be refunded after the residency, minus bedding fee and/ or any costs for cleaning or damage. Support SPACE DEPARTMENT is an independent, artist-run residency that supports residents in pursuing research and creative work at their own pace while building connections with Nara. Support is available in both English and Japanese. Support may include: • Information about Nara’s history, culture, everyday life, and places to visit • Introductions to Nara through walks and cultural experiences • Information about events, workshops, and other activities available during the residency • Introductions to local artists, creative practitioners, communities, and creative spaces • Opportunities to participate in workshops and activities with local artists • Support in creating opportunities for talks, presentations, installations, and other forms of exchange when possible • Letters of support for grant and funding applications Residents are responsible for managing their own daily life, schedule, research, and creative practice. SPACE DEPARTMENT provides information, connections, and opportunities tailored to each resident’s needs, while giving them the freedom to shape their own residency experience. |
| Selection process | Please send an email with the subject line “Artist-in-Residency Program 2027” in either Japanese or English, including the following: • A brief introduction and your reasons for applying • CV or profile or website link • Portfolio or an introduction to your previous work and activities • A brief description of what you would like to research, explore, or develop during your residency After reviewing your application, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online meeting/interview. The interview will focus on your practice, interests, and plans or expectations for the residency. Selection will consider your practice, motivation for applying, research interests, and how your work connects with Nara and the residency’s focus on “space and place.” Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, availability is limited in terms of both residency periods and the number of participants we can accommodate. |
| Contact | spacedepartment.nara@gmail.com |