Organizer Information:

Art Center NEW (organized by Ongoing Association in cooperation with the Koganecho Area Management Center). The program is set in the multilayered urban landscape of Yokohama, moving between a newly established open urban district and a neighborhood deeply rooted in local culture and history.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the NEW AIR 2026 Residency.

This program provides a two-month residency and exhibition opportunity for artists actively practicing within Asia. Artists will engage with the local community, host an Open Studio, and present a Final Presentation Show as part of the "NEW PLATFORM – Alternative JAPAN" art fair.

Category:

Contemporary Art.

Eligibility:

  • Geographic Requirement: Applicants must be based in Asia (excluding Japan). Place of birth and nationality are not restricted, only your current base of operations.
  • Who: Solo artists only. (Applications from groups or collectives are not accepted).
  • Language: Must have basic communication skills in either English or Japanese.
  • Mandatory Presence: Selected artists must reside in Yokohama for at least two-thirds of the residency period, and must be present for the Open Studio (Sept 3–9) and Final Presentation (Sept 10–13).

Program Benefits & Awards:

This is a fully funded opportunity for the single selected artist:

  • Workspace & Accommodation: A private studio at Art Center NEW and a private room at the Koganecho Residence (includes kitchen, bathroom, internet, etc.).
  • Travel Stipend: Round-trip travel expenses up to ¥200,000 JPY.
  • Daily Allowance: ¥5,000 JPY per day for living expenses.
  • Production Budget: Up to ¥150,000 JPY for project materials.
  • Visa Support: Visa application fee covered up to ¥10,000 JPY.
  • Professional Development: Networking events, welcome parties, and integration into the Yokohama art scene.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Participant Costs: Artists must purchase their own health, travel, and accident insurance prior to departing their home country. Any expenses exceeding the listed stipends are the responsibility of the artist.

Application Requirements:

Submit the following materials via the online application form (Note: The maximum total file size for all uploads combined must not exceed 10MB):

  1. Application Paper (PDF, using the specific format provided on their website).
  2. Application Information (Basic personal and contact details).
  3. Portfolio (PDF of past activities, artworks, and/or published articles).
  4. Recommendation Letters (At least 2 letters, in PDF format).

How to Apply?

Submit your materials through the official application form linked on the Art Center NEW website.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 (23:59 Japan Time).
  • Residency Dates: July 20 – September 20, 2026.
  • Open Studio: September 3 – 9, 2026.
  • Final Presentation Show: September 10 – 13, 2026.

Location:

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

Contact Information:

Email: info@artcenter-new.jp (Nao Kiyota)

Website: NEW AIR 2026 Open Call