Open Call for participation our residency program on summer 2027

Eligibility

Monthly stays in July, August or September; house rules and quiet conduct required.

Open Call for participation our residency program on summer 2027 Deadline: 27 Nov 2026 Country: Japan We operate two traditional Japanese houses as Artist-in-Residence facilities: Metropolitan Fukujusou (Residential House):A traditional Kyo-machiya (Kyoto townhouse) with over 150 years of history, officially certified by the Kyoto City government. Studio Tsukimisou (Working Studio): This facility features 12 rooms and a beautiful bamboo garden. It is open to both the resident artists and local artists as a working studio, gallery, and workshop space. Our Core Program Our program is beautifully simple: Stay ⇒ Create ⇒ Work ⇒ Exhibit/Publish ⇒ Engage with the local community At the end of every month, our studio hosts an open studio event for our resident annd local artists. Metropolitan Fukujusou was built in an era when Japan was not yet materially wealthy, meaning its interior structure is simple and minimal. While it may feel inconvenient at times compared to modern housing, this simple, minimal space and lifestyle will allow you to experience something akin to Zen. As you adjust to this environment, we believe you will find a unique sense of comfort, discover pure beauty in the simplicity, and find fresh inspiration for your art. While this is just one example of what you might experience, it would be our greatest pleasure if you could immerse yourself in the authentic, traditional Japanese lifestyle—a way of life that is gradually disappearing, even here in Kyoto—and feel something profound from it. Duration of residency We operate two traditional Japanese houses as Artist-in-Residence facilities: Metropolitan Fukujusou (Residential House):A traditional Kyo-machiya (Kyoto townhouse) with over 150 years of history, officially certified by the Kyoto City government. Studio Tsukimisou (Working Studio): This facility features 12 rooms and a beautiful bamboo garden. It is open to both the resident artists and local artists as a working studio, gallery, and workshop space. Our Core Program Our program is beautifully simple: Stay ⇒ Create ⇒ Work ⇒ Exhibit/Publish ⇒ Engage with the local community At the end of every month, our studio hosts an open studio event for our resident annd local artists. Metropolitan Fukujusou was built in an era when Japan was not yet materially wealthy, meaning its interior structure is simple and minimal. While it may feel inconvenient at times compared to modern housing, this simple, minimal space and lifestyle will allow you to experience something akin to Zen. As you adjust to this environment, we believe you will find a unique sense of comfort, discover pure beauty in the simplicity, and find fresh inspiration for your art. While this is just one example of what you might experience, it would be our greatest pleasure if you could immerse yourself in the authentic, traditional Japanese lifestyle—a way of life that is gradually disappearing, even here in Kyoto—and feel something profound from it. Accommodation You will be living in a shared house with other artists-in-residence at the Metropolitan Fukujuso, the program’s residence facility. The restrooms, shower rooms, and kitchen are shared. The living room and bedroom areas are private rooms. Since these rooms have tatami mats, you will be sleeping on the floor; additionally, because soundproofing and insulation are limited, this accommodation is not suitable for those expecting a modern lifestyle. Please keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb the other artists. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Old Japanese houses aren’t soundproof. Therefore, creative activities that involve constant noise—such as playing acoustic instruments, dancing, or using power tools like grinders—are not possible. Since the tools here aren’t well-maintained, artists are generally expected to bring their own. You can find most items at the nearby 100-yen shops. We offer sewing machines, projectors, scanners, and electric drills for a small fee. We also have a small electric pottery kiln (the interior measures 27 centimeters square). You can use it under the supervision of a local artist based at our studio for 3,000 yen for bisque firing and 5,000 yen for glaze firing.Studio / Workspace The studio consists of private rooms partitioned by a style of partition unique to Japan (stid doors). The one room: 382 x 382 cm + traditional engawa veranda and closet space. Each room is equipped with air conditioning (and heating), a table, a desk lamp, and a chair. The water points and restroom are shared. Nighttime use is permitted as long as the work is quiet.Fees and support A one-bedroom ( as a living room together) and studio costs 143,000 yen per month (tax included). However, you will be responsible for the actual electricity costs for the air conditioner and heater. (Since some people use more electricity than others.) The average cost is about 5,000 yen for 1 person. Expectations towards the artist The Okazaki district, where our facility is located, is a quiet, prestigious residential neighborhood in a historic and traditional area. We do not welcome visitors who come with a casual, leisure-seeking attitude, those who lack proper manners, or those who cannot abide by rules and agreements. In Kyoto, the problem of over-tourism is becoming increasingly serious among residents. Since there are people who view this facility unfavorably, we are making every effort to ensure it remains a space that is as open to the community as possible—and one that is appreciated by local artists. We welcome those who understand our position as we strive to sustainably operate this micro-residency in Kyoto and are willing to cooperate with us. Many young local artists visit during the open studio sessions, so we hope you will approach your creative work with sincerity and deepen your connections with them. Also, we hope that everyone here can spend their time meaningfully and with mutual respect.. Application information We will be accepting applications in each month unit of July, August, September. As the first step, please provide the following information: • Your website or SNS where we can see your activities, works, and CV, or your portfolio • Your full name • Age • Gender • Country • Current residential address (Some of this information is required for our tax declarations.) • If you need support regarding a visa, please let us know in advance. Also, please briefly tell us about: • Your planned activities in Kyoto • Your exhibition plan for the Open Studio. We will send the contract to you by your application reply, so please confirm the contents and submit again to us with your signature. Finally, please note that the screening process will take about 10 days after all documents submitted. This call for applications is by no means on a first-come, first-served basis, but if we receive a large number of applications, we may close it before the deadline, so please understand in advance.

What to submit

Portfolio, CV, Motivation letter

How to apply

Send portfolio or SNS link, CV, personal details, Kyoto plans and Open Studio exhibition plan; contract follows after review.