Organizer Information
The Toma House Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program, in collaboration with the century-old Seikadou mounting studio, presents an intensive immersion into the art of paper mounting. Based in Nara, Japan, this program connects contemporary practitioners with the practical techniques of a craft practiced since the 8th century.
Title & Description
2026 Hyogu Residency: The Art of Paper Mounting and Framing.
This residency is designed for artists, craftspeople, and researchers who wish to master Hyogu (表具)—the traditional Japanese art of mounting paper-based artworks. Under the guidance of experienced masters, participants learn to mount two kakejiku (hanging scrolls) using traditional methods. The program encourages artists to integrate these foundational skills into their future creative practices and conservation projects.
Categories
Traditional Crafts & Paper Arts.
Eligibility
- Financial Capability: Applicants must be able to self-fund all necessary costs, including program fees, travel, insurance, and food.
- Health & Mobility: Participants must be in good health and able to stay in a traditional two-story wooden house without an elevator.
- Legal Compliance: Applicants are responsible for meeting all Japanese visa requirements.
- Cultural Respect: Residents must adhere to a strict non-smoking policy to protect the 18th-century wooden cultural property and follow all residency house rules.
- Collaborative Spirit: A willingness to communicate positively with other participating artists and the local Nara neighborhood is required.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Expert Training: Guided Kakejiku scroll mounting lessons from start to finish, completing two scrolls using traditional techniques.
- Professional Toolkit: Participants receive a valuable set of traditional mounting tools to keep for their future practice.
- Educational Resources: Includes an English-language Hyogu Handbook and lectures on traditional aesthetics and systems.
- Curated Excursions: 5 field trips to local studios, material suppliers, and cultural sites related to Nara’s sumi ink and paper crafts.
- Accommodation: 4 weeks in a private bedroom in either the historic Toma House or the renovated Toma Beige annex.
- Staff Support: Access to English and Mandarin-speaking staff to assist with the transition to life in Nara.
Fees
- Application Fee: None mentioned.
- Program Fees (Autumn 2026 Standard): Ranges from 793,000 yen to 881,000 yen depending on the room.
Application Requirements
- Submission: Complete the Online Application Form.
- Selection Process: Once selected, participants must sign an Invitation Agreement and pay a registration fee (1/4 of the total) within 14 days.
How to Apply?
Submit the online application form and prepare to finance the program independently. Apply here.
Key Dates
- Autumn Session: November 7 – December 4, 2026.
- Autumn Application Deadline: May 9, 2026.
Location
Japan, Nara (Toma House AIR).
Additional Details
Participants may mount their own artwork as their second scroll, provided the pigments and paper can withstand the soaking and gluing processes. The program fee includes consumption tax and PayPal handling fees.