Organizer Information:

ARCUS Project Administration Committee. Located around an hour from Tokyo in Moriya City, Ibaraki, ARCUS Project is the most comprehensive and oldest international contemporary artist-in-residence program in Japan. (Note: In summer 2026, the ARCUS Project will relocate to a site on the grounds of a currently operating elementary school in Moriya City).

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the ARCUS Research Winter 2027 residency.

ARCUS Research is a short-term program that offers an uninterrupted time and contemplative environment for creative experimentation, in-depth fieldwork, and research. Located near Tsukuba City (known for hosting one of the largest accumulations of science and technology institutes in the world), the program allows participants to come into contact with the contemporary art scene and leading research institutions.

Category:

Contemporary Art, Curatorial Practice, Research, & Writing.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Practitioners or professionals in a cultural and art-related field, including artists, curators, researchers, or writers.
  • Student Status: Applicants must NOT be enrolled at an educational institution during the program period UNLESS they are in a PhD program.
  • Language Requirement: Must have English-language ability proficient enough to communicate with staff members.
  • Companions: Accommodation is for single occupants. However, one partner or family member may accompany the participant (maximum two adults total). An additional fee of 1,500 JPY per day plus a futon rental fee will be charged for the accompanying guest.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Workspace: One classroom converted into a studio (Approx. 65 m²). Note: The studio has an internet connection and basic furniture/tools. It is NOT equipped with professional facilities (no workshop, shooting studio, SLR cameras, projectors, etc.).
  • Accommodation: A furnished studio-style apartment equipped with basic electric appliances.
  • Funding Support: While this is a self-funded program, ARCUS Project will provide an official acceptance letter for selected applicants to use when applying for external grants.
  • Community Engagement: Participants are invited to the optional “Show & Tell” salon to present their work to the local community at the end of the residency.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Program Fee: This is a self-funded residency. Participants must pay a fee of 400,000 JPY (paid in two installments before arrival).
  • Additional Costs: Participants are strictly responsible for covering their own transportation, meals, insurance, work expenses, and living expenses.

Application Requirements:

All materials must be compiled into ONE PDF (A4 size), placed in a folder named “Last name_First name” (e.g., Smith_David), and compressed into a ZIP file. The PDF must not exceed 6 MB.

  1. Application Form: Downloaded and completed from the official link.
  2. References (Optional): Two references with contact info.
  3. Curriculum Vitae: Max. 3 pages.
  4. Project Proposal: Max. 700 words describing the intended focus of your residency. (WARNING: Proposals exceeding 700 words will NOT be considered).
  5. Work Samples: 5 works with captions and a 100-word description of each. (Video links should be provided via YouTube/Vimeo). Writers without visual samples may submit 2–3 writing samples (max 700 words each).

How to Apply?

Email your ZIP file to arcus@arcus-project.com with “2026 ARCUS Research Application” in the subject line.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, by 23:59:59 (JST). (Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted).
  • Announcement of Results: Middle of July 2026.
  • Residency Dates: January 14 – February 25, 2027 (43 days).

Location:

ARCUS Studio (in Koya elementary school), 1342 Koya, Moriya, Ibaraki 302-0125, Japan.

Contact Information: