Organizer Information
YÁO (窯座) is an artist residency and exhibition initiative based in Taiwan. Its program supports artistic research, material exploration, cultural exchange, and engagement with local communities and craft practices. Rather than prioritising the production of finished artworks during a short residency, YÁO encourages artists to investigate new cultural contexts and translate their experiences into future creative work. The program connects international and local practitioners with relevant resources whenever possible.
Title & Description
YÁO Residency Program 2027–2028: Translation Between Culture and Material
YÁO invites artists, makers, researchers, and interdisciplinary practitioners to participate in a two-phase residency exploring the relationship between culture, materials, and artistic practice. Using Taiwan as a site for research, participants will investigate local environments, everyday experiences, craft traditions, and cultural contexts through observation, fieldwork, experimentation, and exchange.
The program emphasises research and process rather than requiring a completed artwork during the initial residency. Selected artists will share their ongoing investigations through an Open Studio in 2027, followed by a formal exhibition or another appropriate public presentation at YÁO in 2028. Applicants should demonstrate an established creative practice, a clear research direction, and an interest in developing their work through engagement with unfamiliar cultural contexts.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Material-Based Practice
- Craft and Applied Arts
- Research-Based Art
- Interdisciplinary Art
- Artistic Research
The program welcomes practitioners working across disciplines whose practices can benefit from cultural exchange, material exploration, and self-directed research.
Eligibility
The open call is international and welcomes applicants of all nationalities aged 18 and above. Eligible applicants include artists, makers, researchers, and interdisciplinary practitioners with an ongoing creative practice.
Applicants should be capable of conducting independent research, engaging with local environments and communities, and translating research experiences into potential artistic developments. A completed exhibition proposal is not required; however, applicants must present a clear research direction and explain how the residency may inform their future work.
Selected participants must commit to both phases of the program. Application materials and interviews may be conducted in Mandarin or English.
Program Benefits & Awards
YÁO provides financial and practical support across both phases.
Research Residency (2027):
- International travel reimbursement of up to NTD 20,000 for eligible applicants based outside Taiwan, subject to receipts and actual travel needs.
- Production and materials budget of up to NTD 20,000, subject to proposal approval and reimbursement guidelines.
- Living stipend of NTD 10,000.
- Accommodation throughout the residency.
- Access to an Open Studio space.
- Assistance connecting with local craftspeople, cultural practitioners, communities, and relevant research resources, subject to availability.
- Documentation, text editing, translation, and promotional support.
Exhibition Phase (2028):
- Travel reimbursement of up to NTD 20,000 for eligible international applicants, subject to receipts and applicable conditions.
- Living stipend of NTD 10,000.
- Accommodation.
- Exhibition space at YÁO.
- Basic installation and de-installation assistance.
- Exhibition documentation, text editing, translation, and promotional support.
The program will select one artist or practitioner. No cash prize is specified. Specific collaborators, institutions, and fieldwork arrangements are not guaranteed.
Application Fee
- Taiwan-based applicants: NTD 300, payable by bank transfer.
- Applicants based outside Taiwan: USD 10, payable via PayPal.
Applicants must upload proof of payment with their application. The fee covers administrative, review, and interview costs and is non-refundable.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2026
- Interview invitations for shortlisted applicants: 10 January 2027
- Online interviews: 16 January 2027
- Selected artists announced: 29 January 2027
- Research residency: 21 August–21 November 2027
- Open Studio: 27 October–16 November 2027
- Exhibition phase: 2028; dates to be confirmed with the selected artist. The exhibition is expected to run for at least six weeks.
Location
YÁO, Taiwan
Additional Details
The residency is structured around research, observation, and cultural exchange rather than the immediate production of finished work. Artists should be prepared to work independently and engage actively with their surroundings. YÁO will facilitate connections based on each proposal, but all arrangements depend on availability, scheduling, resources, and mutual agreement. International participants are responsible for confirming and arranging their own visa and entry requirements. Invitation letters or supporting program documents can be provided upon request.