Open Call

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
ARCUS RESEARCH 2025


ARCUS Research Summer (one or two months)

ARCUS Research Winter (one month)

ARCUS Research Short (two weeks) — new!


ARCUS Research is a short-term and self-funded program that offers an uninterrupted time and contemplative environment for creative experimentation, in-depth fieldwork, and research for practitioners and professionals in art and other cultural fields, including artists, curators, researchers, university educators, or writers. Located around an hour from Tokyo and a half hour from Tsukuba City, known for hosting one of the largest accumulations of science and technology institutes in the world, ARCUS Research allows participants to come into contact with the contemporary art scene and leading research institutions, as well as devote themselves to their creative endeavors in a calm environment. The program provides participants from around the world with valuable time and space to reflect, unwind, and nurture the creative process. The residency program is available in three terms from June 2025 through February 2026.

Please read the program outline carefully before applying.

Duration

Summer 1: June 6 – July 5, 2025 (one-month residency)

Summer 2: July 10 – August 8, 2025 (one-month residency)

Summer 3: June 6 – August 8, 2025 (two-month residency)

Winter: January 15 – February 13, 2026 (one-month residency)

Short: December 5 – 19, 2025 (two weeks residency)

PROGRAM FEE [Paid by participants]

One month residency: JPY270,000

Two month residency: JPY500,000

Two weeks residency: JPY150,000

The fee includes studio space, accommodation, and basic consultation and orientation at the beginning of the residency program. As an option activity, participants are invited to the “Show & Tell” salon to present their work and share projects with the local community at the end of the residency.(*expect two weeks residency)

FUNDING

This is a self-funded residency program. If participants apply for grants from institutions, government agencies, universities in their country/province of origin, ARCUS Project will provide the acceptance letter for grant application once you are selected for the program.

ELIGIBILITY

The applicant must:

  1. be a practitioner or other professional in a cultural and art-related field, including an artist, curator, researcher, or writer.
  2. not be enrolled at an educational institution during the program period unless a PhD program.
  3. have English-language ability proficient enough to communicate with staff.

APPLICATION

The following materials should be compiled in one PDF (A4 size) in a folder named “Last name_First name” (e.g., Smith_David) and compressed into a Zip file. The PDF file must not exceed 6 MB. Email the file to arcus@arcus- project.com with “2025 ARCUS Research Application” in the subject line.

Program Outline [PDF]

Two references: please include their name, title, institution, and email. Short-listed candidates may be asked to provide letters from their references.

Entry Form [WORD]

Additional Support [PDF]

APPLICATION DEADLINE for Summer: December 1, 2025 (23:59:59 JST)

APPLICATION DEADLINE for Winter and Short: February 1, 2026 (23:59:59 JST)

Contact

Inquiries about applications are accepted via email: arcus@arcus-project.com

Please be aware that we cannot respond to inquiries received after the application period has finished. ARCUS Studio is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays. Any inquiries sent when ARCUS Studio is closed will be answered the next working day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are group applications accepted?

A group can apply using a single application form. The accommodation is only for single occupants and no more than two adults cannot be accommodated. The accommodation fee is charged for the accompanying individual.

Can my partner or family also stay?

Partners and families are welcome to stay, but please be aware that accommodation provided by ARCUS Project is only for single occupants, and a fee is charged for further occupants. The participant is solely responsible for a partner or family’s expenses as well as safety.