Open Call
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
ARCUS PROJECT 2026 IBARAKI ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM (for artists reside outside of Japan)
ARCUS Project’s artist-in-residence program provides opportunities for artists in the field of contemporary art to cultivate their artistic creativity and vision. Located around an hour from Tokyo, a residency at ARCUS Studio allows participants in the program to come into contact with the contemporary art scene in Japan as well as devote themselves to their creative endeavors in a calm environment while interacting with the local community. Through the support the program offers from its dedicated team of coordinators and regular tutorials with a curator, artists are able to search for and explore approaches in their practices and undertake new challenges in their artistic expression. The program particularly emphasizes research-based practices and presents the initial results of these processes at open studios. It welcomes ideas for artworks and projects that develop out of encounters with people, the land, and culture, and aspire to form critical spaces that are open and international.
In 2026, the ARCUS Project will relocate to a site on the grounds of a currently operating elementary school in Moriya City. While maintaining the quality of the creative environment, we hope to develop programs even more open and engaged with the local community.
Please read the Program Outline and Application Guidelines carefully before applying.
This call is for artists residing outside Japan.
※for artists residing in Japan, please apply from here
Program period
September 11– December 9, 2026 (90 days)
*The above schedule is subject to change.
Number of Artists
2 artists /groups
(concurrently with one artist/group based in Japan)
Eligibility
The applicant must:
- be an artist engaged in contemporary visual arts or other related fields.
- be resident outside Japan and able to enter Japan legally.
- not be enrolled at an educational institution during the program period unless it is a PhD program.
- have an English-language ability proficient enough to communicate with other artists and staff.
Program Provisions
Studio, accommodation, round-trip airfare, living and research expenses (540,000 JPY), as well as support from a director and coordinators.
*The program provisions are subject to change due to changes in the program outline.
– For artists residing outside Japan
Please be sure to read the Application Guidelines carefully before completing the Online Application Form.
CV Form [Word] | CV Form [PDF]
(Required)
Video Description [Word] | Video Description [PDF]
(Optional)
APPLICATION PERIOD: FEBRUARY 17 through MARCH 19, 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.
Please inquire about questions regarding the application by March 13.
ARCUS Studio is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays. Any inquiries sent when the studio is closed will be answered the next working day.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a performance artist (or writer). Can I apply to this program?
Applicants who are in contemporary visual arts or other related fields, including performance (or writing), are welcome to apply. As reference, please have a look through our past artists’ work.
How many artists stay at ARCUS?
Total of three artists/groups staying at one time.
Are group applications accepted?
A group can apply using a single application form. However, all provisions (transportation fee, allowance, accommodation, etc.) are for one individual only (not per person).
Can my partner or family also stay?
Partners and family members are welcome to stay; however, please note that accommodation provided by ARCUS Project is designed for single occupancy. A maximum of two persons may stay in one unit. An additional accommodation fee will be charged for any accompanying individual. Please refer to the Program Outline for details on additional fees.