SADO ISLAND INTERNATIONAL ARTIST RESIDENCY - AIR_J : Online Database of Artist in Residence Programs in Japan
Artists, researchers, curators, performers, and writers pursuing research-based or community-engaged projects are invited to apply for a residency on Sado Island, Japan, with studio space and facilities.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- 234 days left
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- Studio space, workspace facilities, utilities, and Wi-Fi access
- Location
- 53-1 Ryotsu Ebisu, Sado-shi, Niigata, Japan
- Exhibition window
- Jul 1, 2026 → Mar 31, 2027
About
Overview
The Sado Island International Artist Residency welcomes artists, researchers, curators, and practitioners pursuing research-based, community-engaged, or experimental projects. The program functions as a platform for deep community engagement and pre-production research, bringing diverse disciplines to Sado Island's rich cultural and ecological context.
Residency Details
- Location: 53-1 Ryotsu Ebisu, Sado-shi, Niigata, Japan
- Target period: July 1, 2026 (Wed.) to March 31, 2027 (Fri.), excluding August 2026
- Duration: Minimum 7 days to maximum 3 months
- Application period: July 1, 2026 (Wed.) – March 31, 2027 (Wed.)
Eligible Activities
Visual arts (installation, painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, prints, video, design, manga, media art, crafts, textiles, illustration); Performing arts (theater, dance, music, performance, traditional performing arts, sound art); Language arts (novels, poetry, plays, scripts, essays); Research-based art projects; Socially engaged and community art; Curation, study groups, symposiums, lectures.
Eligibility
- Ability to stay 7 days to 3 months on Sado Island
- Proficiency in Japanese or English (other languages require applicant-arranged and funded interpretation)
- Self-sufficient in daily responsibilities (meal prep, laundry, cleaning)
- Strong desire to engage with local residents and visitors
- Willingness to comply with residency guidelines
- Ability to secure own funding for travel, local transportation, living expenses, facility fees, and all production/research expenses
- Must arrange own travel and medical insurance; cover visa acquisition if required
Facilities & Support
Studio space, workspace, presentation spaces, and a program coordinator are available. Accommodation is NOT provided—participants must arrange and pay for their own lodging; the organization can offer recommendations.
Fees
- Individual participation: 22,000 yen (tax included) per 1-week session
- Group participation: 22,000 yen (tax included) + 5,500 yen (tax included) per additional person per 1-week session
- Includes utilities and in-studio Wi-Fi access
Requirements
- Plan and host at least one free, public Community Exchange Program event (exhibition, open studio, open rehearsal, workshop, artist talk, or networking event)
- Include credit for 'Sado International Art Promotion Organization' on all promotional materials, exhibitions, or presentations of works created during residency
- Cooperate with organization's archiving and promotional efforts (photography, video recording, website/SNS sharing)
- Note: Artists retain full copyright of all works and activities created during stay
Funding & Support
This is a self-funded program. Participants must cover all costs: travel, local transportation, living expenses, facility fees, and production/research expenses. The organization does not provide production budgets, travel support, or accommodation subsidies.
- Award
- Studio space, workspace facilities, utilities, and Wi-Fi access
- Entry fee
- Individual: 22,000 yen (tax included) per week. Group: 22,000 yen (tax included) + 5,500 yen (tax included) per additional person per week. Covers utilities and in-studio Wi-Fi access.
- Theme
- The residency welcomes research-based and community-engaged artistic projects that engage with Sado Island's unique context—including its historical significance (Zeami's Noh theater), ecological restoration efforts, and cultural heritage—through immersive production and public inquiry.
- Eligibility
- Open to individuals and groups capable of staying 7 days to 3 months, proficient in Japanese or English, self-sufficient in daily responsibilities, and committed to community engagement and funding their own expenses.
- Audience
- Individuals and groups of artists, researchers, curators, performers, and writers
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.