Zen AiR in Eiheiji, Japan
Eiheiji Town in Fukui Prefecture, home to Eiheiji, the head temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism, is known as the “village of Zen.” This project will provide artists and other art professionals (hereinafter, “artists”) the opportunity to experience Zen culture, conduct research on Zen and the region, and engage in creation and research while […]
Eiheiji Town in Fukui Prefecture, home to Eiheiji, the head temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism, is known as the “village of Zen.” This project will provide artists and other art professionals (hereinafter, “artists”) the opportunity to experience Zen culture, conduct research on Zen and the region, and engage in creation and research while engaging with local residents.
The artists will be asked to communicate the results of their work and research through these activities. As such, this program is intended to support artists, and at the same time, to draw out the spirit and culture of Zen that live on in the town from an artist’s perspective, thereby encouraging a sense of attachment to the region and interest in art and culture, and fostering a variety of connections, both among people and between people and culture.
Zen AiR is accepting applications by artists, researchers, curators, etc. to stay in Eiheiji-cho, Fukui Prefecture in Japan, where Eiheiji Temple, the head temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism, is located, to work on production, research, etc.
Application Deadline
May 21, 2024 (Tue) – July 10, 2024 (Wed) (must arrive no later than 23:59 Japan time)
*Applications received outside of this period will not be accepted.
Application Requirements
- Artists, researchers and curators aged 20 and over
- No restrictions on nationality
- Ability to communicate in Japanese or English
- In good health
- Ability to communicate well with local residents
- Must present the results of their activities
- Must participate in the exchange program
Program Overview
Production Course
Minimum 60 days to maximum 90 days between August 26, 2024 (Mon) and November 28, 2024 (Thu)
*From November 9th to November 24th, it will be the public production and presentation term. Therefore, you have to be present on site during this weekend, as well as during setup, exhibition, and takedown.
Production of artwork during residence in Eiheiji Town.
Work in public for a specified period of time.
Presentation of the results of activities, such as artwork exhibitions, performances and talks.
*If it takes time to obtain a visa, the length of your stay can be discussed.
Research Course
Minimum 60 days to maximum 90 days between August 26, 2024 (Mon) and November 28, 2024 (Thu)
*From November 9th to November 24th, it will be the public production and presentation term. Therefore, you have to be present on site during this weekend, as well as during setup, exhibition, and takedown.
Research and study of Zen culture and Eiheiji Town.
Presentation of the results of activities in forms of presentations, talks, etc.
*If it takes time to obtain a visa, the length of your stay can be discussed.
Application Guidelines
Please be sure to check the application guidelines.
ZEN AIR EIHEIJI FY2024 Application Guidelines (PDF/EN)
How to apply
Please apply using the application form below.
(1)Please fill out the required information.
(2)Download the prescribed application form from the Zen Air website, fill it out, and attach it to the application form.
Application Form
https://shinsei.e-fukui.lg.jp/SksJuminWeb/EntryForm?id=fpJKJDpq
If you are unable to access the application form, please contact info@zen-air.org.
[Required] Application Form (EN)
Application Form (PDF/EN)
Download
Application Form (Word/EN)
Download
Selection and Results
1st screening: Selection based on submitted materials
2nd screening: Selection based on online interviews
All applicants will be notified of the results by e-mail by late July 2024 (provisional schedule). Individual inquiries regarding the selection process or results will not be accepted.
Selection Committee
Kenji Kubota (Independent curator/Director of ZEN AIR)
Hiromi Kurosawa (Chief Curator, Director of Curatorial Affairs, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa)
Shichio Minato (Visual Artist/Professor of Visual Arts, University of Fukui, School of Education)
Inquiries
Inquiries about the application will be accepted by e-mail.
ZEN AIR: Fukui Arts Center and Residence Project Executive Committee Secretariat
E-mail: info@zen-air.org
WEB: https://zen-air.org/
