Open Calls for 2027 Artist in Residence Programmes

The Kinosaki International Art Center has officially launched its open call for the 2027/2028 Artist-in-Residence program, welcoming contemporary creators from around the globe to submit their project proposals for upcoming residencies, according to official facility announcements. Operating as a dedicated hub for contemporary artistic activities with a strong focus on the performing arts, the facility aims to foster experimentation, community exchange, and creation in Toyooka City, Japan.

Eligible Artistic Projects and Scope for 2027/2028

According to Kinosaki International Art Center guidelines, eligible activities include performing arts such as theater, dance, music, and performance, alongside research-based art projects and study groups, symposiums, or lectures by art professionals. The facility expanded its scope starting from the previous fiscal year to explicitly include research-based art projects, noting a strong institutional affinity for processes that treat artistic practice as ongoing research rather than solely finished theatrical output. Projects must have guaranteed feasibility, supported by appropriate past performance, production systems, budgets, schedules, and progress management methods.

The selection process does not depend on whether artists plan a formal presentation or public performance of the residency results afterward, meaning work-in-progress and pure research residencies remain fully acceptable under the guidelines. However, the center explicitly excludes projects lacking a creative purpose, initiatives primarily intended to raise charity donations, and programs aimed exclusively at restricted, closed audiences.

Residency Support, Facilities, and Financial Obligations

Selected artists receive comprehensive support from the art center, including free use of the Kinosaki International Art Center hall and studios, alongside complimentary accommodations in up to seven residence rooms, according to program details. Technical staff and coordinators are assigned to support the creation and research process.

Despite the provided space and technical assistance, participating artists must cover all travel expenses, production costs, and living expenses. Additionally, the center requires visiting artists to pay a utility fee of 350 Japanese yen per person per day directly to Toyooka City. Personnel expenses for any external production staff or transportation of materials must also be handled entirely by the applicant.

Application Requirements and Program Schedule

Individual creators or artist groups may stay at the center for a minimum of seven days up to a maximum of three months. The overarching program period runs from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028, excluding the entire month of September 2027.

Applicants must meet specific operational standards to qualify for selection:

• Artists must speak and understand basic Japanese or English, or hire a private interpreter at their own expense.
• Participants are expected to be independent, handling their own daily cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
• Artists must participate in the Community Exchange Program, communicating openly with local residents and tourists.
• Creators are required to follow all center rules and regulations, with financial penalties enforced for any violations.

The Kinosaki International Art Center functions as an experimental space rather than a conventional presenting theater, aiming to cultivate encounters where resident artists and locals generate unexpected artistic values. Interested applicants should review the complete guidelines and submit their proposals directly through the official facility portal.