ARCUS Research Summer 2027 – Short-term Residency Program in Japan

Eligibility

Eligible countries: No country restriction

Must be a cultural professional with English proficiency; not enrolled in study unless PhD.

ARCUS Research Summer 2027 – Short-term Residency Program in Japan Deadline: 16 Dec 2026 Country: Japan ARCUS Research is a short-term and self-funded program that offers an uninterrupted time and contemplative environment for creative experimentation, in-depth fieldwork, and research for practitioners and professionals in art and other cultural fields, including artists, curators, researchers, university educators, or writers. Located around an hour from Tokyo and a half hour from Tsukuba City, known for hosting one of the largest accumulations of science and technology institutes in the world, ARCUS Research allows participants to come into contact with the contemporary art scene and leading research institutions, as well as devote themselves to their creative endeavors in a calm environment. The program provides participants from around the world with valuable time and space to reflect, unwind, and nurture the creative process. Since 1994, ARCUS Project has supported promising artists who engage in creative activities across the world, offering time, space, and a vibrant community to promote exchange through residencies and public programs. Located in a public school in Moriya City, Ibaraki, ARCUS Project is the most comprehensive and the oldest international contemporary artist-in-residence program in Japan. By utilizing our extensive experiences and resources, ARCUS Project provides an unparalleled environment for supporting artistic experimentations and research for participants at all stages in their careers. In September 2026, ARCUS Project relocated to Koya Elementary School, an active public school founded in 1874 and one of the oldest elementary schools in Moriya. Located in a historic rural area of Moriya, Koya is surrounded by rich natural landscapes, including the Tone River, rice fields, and woodland, as well as a number of cultural sites. Within walking distance of ARCUS are temples and shrines associated with local legends. While Tokyo is only about 30‒40 minutes away by train, participants are immersed in a distinctive setting, where the peaceful countryside, layers of history, and everyday community life come together. Duration of residency one or two-months residency One-month residency: 1 to 3 participants on each duration – June 3‒ July 2, 2027 – July 7 ‒ August 5, 2027 Two-month residency: 1 to 3 participants – June 3 ‒ August 5, 2027 Accommodation The apartment is located a 10‒15-minute bicycle ride (or a 20‒30-minute walk) from the studio. Each participant is provided with a furnished apartment equipped with basic electrical appliances. Additional accommodation fee and rental fee for bedding will be charged for an accompanying person, including a partner, a family member and a member of the group (in case of duo or group submission). The participant is responsible for all expenses and the safety of any accompanying person. *Please note that the apartment may not be equipped with an elevator or ramp. [Accommodation fee] 1,500 JPY per day [Rental fee for bedding] – 1‒14 nights: 1,000 JPY per night – Up to 15 nights: 15,000 JPY – Up to 30 nights: 20,000 JPY – Up to 90 nights: 35,000 JPY Disciplines, work equipment and assistance The applicant must: - be a practitioner or other professional in a cultural and art-related field, including an artist, curator, researcher, or writer. - not be enrolled at an educational institution during the program period unless a PhD program. - have English-language ability proficient enough to communicate with staff members. The participant is required to bring/prepare the specific tools, equipment, computer, and software necessary for their artistic activities. Although minimum tools (e.g., drill, screwdriver, hammer, saw, etc.) are available, studios are not equipped with professional facilities such as a workshop, studio for shooting, or editing room. Please note that ARCUS also cannot provide SLR cameras, video cameras, tripods, or monitors/projectors. Additional support such as interpretation, translation, and coordination for research or a project is available for a fee. Please refer to the price list. https://www.arcus-project.com/assets/dl/en/ARCUSResearch_option.pdfStudio / Workspace One classroom converted into a studio. (W:8.5m×D:7.5m×H:3.05m approx. 64 m2) The studio has an internet connection and basic studio furniture, such as a desk and chairs. The participant is required to bring/prepare the specific tools, equipment, computer, and software necessary for their artistic activities. Although minimum tools (e.g., drill, screwdriver, hammer, saw, etc.) are available, studios are not equipped with professional facilities such as a workshop, studio for shooting, or editing room. Please note that ARCUS also cannot provide SLR cameras, video cameras, tripods, or monitors/projectors. Studios are accessible Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., unless otherewise noted. Studios are closed on Sundays.Fees and support One-month residency: JPY270,000 [Paid by participants] Two-month residency: JPY520,000 [Paid by participants] The fee includes studio space, accommodation, orientation at the beginning of the residency program. As an option activity, participants are invited to the “Show & Tell” salon to present their work and share projects with the local community at the end of the residency. Additional support such as interpretation, translation, and coordination for research or a project is available for a fee. Please refer to the price list. https://www.arcus-project.com/assets/dl/en/ARCUSResearch_option.pdf The participants are required to cover transportation, meals, insurance (accident, health, liability, etc.), work expenses, and other living expenses during their stay. – FUNDING This is a self-funded residency program. If participants apply for grants from institutions, government agencies, universities in their country/province of origin, ARCUS Project will provide the acceptance letter for grant application once you are selected for the program. – PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND CANCELLATION POLICY The program fee is paid in two installments via bank transfer or online transfer. Any bankʼs remittance charge and foreign exchange lift charge should be covered by the participants. [1st payment] 50% of the full program fee must be paid by 60 days prior to the first day of your residency period. [2nd payment] The remaining 50% of the program fee must be paid by 14 days prior to the first day of your residency period. [Cancellation Policy] If a participant decides to cancel their participation in the program, for any reason, between the time of signing the agreement and the due date of the first payment, they will be charged a cancellation fee equivalent to 10% of the full program fee. (The agreement is signed approximately five months before the start of the program.) [Refund Policy] Cancellation by the participants for any reason will not be subject to refund. However, if the program is cancelled due to travel restrictions such as outbreak of a contagious disease, natural disasters, or war, a refund will be made for the amount already paid, excluding half of the cancellation fee for the accommodation and transaction fee. Expectations towards the artist As an option activity, participants are invited to the “Show & Tell” salon to present their work and share projects with the local community at the end of the residency. Application information ELIGIBILITY The applicant must: – be a practitioner or other professional in a cultural and art-related field, including an artist, curator, researcher, or writer. – not be enrolled at an educational institution during the program period unless a PhD program. – have English-language ability proficient enough to communicate with staff members. APPLICATION The following materials should be compiled in one PDF (A4 size) in a folder named “Last name_First name” (e.g., Smith_David) and compressed into a Zip file. The PDF file must not exceed 6 MB. Email the file to [email protected] with “2027 ARCUS Research Application” in the subject line. – Application form: Please download from the link and complete. https://www.arcus-project.com/assets/dl/en/2027_ARCUS_Research_EntryForm_EN.docx Two references (optional): please include their name, title, institution, and email. Short-listed candidates may be asked to provide letters from their references. – Curriculum vitae: max. 3 pages. – A project proposal (maximum 700 words) that describes the intended focus of your residency. Proposals may include specific projects to develop or complete (e.g., a publication, book, artwork, etc.) or to research a particular topic, in advance of writing or creating a work of art. If you exceed the 700-word limit, it will not be considered for review. – Work samples: These should include 5 works with a caption (title, date, medium, and dimensions/duration for each work) and 100 words brief description of each work. If you wish to include video works with your application, please upload the files to a video hosting website such as YouTube and Vimeo, and then include the link(s) in your application. Applicants applying as writers who do not have visual samples may instead submit 2‒3 writing samples (maximum 700 words each). ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS – The screening process will be conducted by the ARCUS Project Selection Committee. – Applicants may be required to provide additional application materials and a video interview. – Unless otherwise noted, applicants will be notified via email of the result of their application by the middle of February 2027. – Please be aware that we cannot respond to individual inquiries concerning the selection process. DEADLINE December 16, 2026, 23:59:59 (JST) Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. We cannot accept applications via fax or postal mail. VISA The participant is responsible for obtaining visa from the Embassy of Japan or Consulate-General of Japan if the visa is required for entering Japan. The Administration Committee does not have responsibility for supporting visa but will provide an invitation letter if needed for visa application. INQUIRIES Please use the contact form on the ARCUS Project website: http://www.arcus-project.com/en/contact/ Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays. Closed on Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday. Any inquiries sent when ARCUS Studio is closed will be answered the next working day. Please be aware that we cannot respond to inquiries received after the application period has finished. *Please note that this call is subject to change.

What to submit

CV, Work samples, Other

How to apply

Zip one A4 PDF (max 6 MB) in a folder named Last name_First name; email with subject '2027 ARCUS Research Application'.