Organizer Information

The Kyoto Retreat is an independent program founded and directed by Dexter Wimberly, a renowned international curator. Based in Kyoto, Japan, the retreat is designed to offer a nurturing environment for creative professionals. Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital for over a millennium, serves as a living museum of historical grandeur and modern innovation, providing an unparalleled backdrop of temples, shrines, and traditional aesthetics for deep artistic exploration.

Title & Description

The Kyoto Retreat 2026.

This four-week program offers artists, curators, and writers a dedicated period for research, exploration, and inspiration without the pressure of production. Rather than a traditional studio residency, this is a time for "rest, research, and reflection." Participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in Japanese culture—from the Zen rock gardens of Ryoan-ji to the city’s vibrant artisan workshops—while connecting with a global cohort of fellow creatives in a calm, mindful environment.

Category

Multi-disciplinary (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Film, Video, New Media, Installation, Fiction and Non-fiction Writing, Poetry, Interdisciplinary, and Social Practice).

Eligibility

  • Open to visual artists, curators, and writers at any career stage from anywhere in the world.
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
  • The program is committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, gender, religion, or physical ability.
  • Applications must be submitted in English.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Selected participants receive a fully-funded experience including a roundtrip flight to Kansai (KIX) or Osaka (ITM) airports.
  • Accommodation consists of a private bedroom in a shared, private house in Kyoto for the full month.
  • Additionally, each resident receives a $800 USD stipend to supplement costs for meals and local transportation.
  • On-site staff also provide airport pickup and logistical support for navigating the city.

Application Fee:

$95.00 USD (non-refundable).

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must submit a comprehensive CV or resume, a brief statement regarding their creative interests, and a description of how they intend to utilize their time in Kyoto.
  • Additionally, candidates may provide up to 10 work samples (images, PDFs, or audio/video files not exceeding 10 minutes).
  • All materials must be submitted via the SlideRoom portal.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: July 17, 2026.
  • Notification Date: September 1, 2026.
  • Retreat Period: November 1 – 30, 2026.

Location

Kyoto, Japan.

Additional Details

  • The selection is made by a committee of international curators and arts professionals.
  • Please note that this residency is for individual artists only; partners, children, or pets cannot be accommodated.
  • Residents are responsible for preparing their own meals using nearby facilities.

Contact Information