Creative Residency Saga - Japan - Mondriaan Fund
Artists will conduct research in artistic and technical dimensions of washi (Japanese paper) and woodcraft, develop new work through collaboration with craftspeople, and present their work during a 3-month residency in Saga, Japan.
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- Entry fee
- Not listed - check the source
- Award
- Residency period of 3 months at Arita or Saga Prefecture (accommodation, studio/workspace, and access to craftspeople workshops provided)
- Location
- Saga Prefecture, Japan (Arita, Nao Tesuki Washi, or Morodomi region)
- Exhibition window
- Sep 14, 2026 → Dec 14, 2026
About
Overview
The Mondriaan Fund and Creative Industries Fund NL, in cooperation with Saga Prefecture, offer a 3-month residency for visual artists to conduct research-driven artistic practice informed by traditional Japanese crafts. Artists will work directly with established craftspeople in washi (hand papermaking) and woodcraft communities, exploring how these centuries-old traditions can be extended, adapted, or reinterpreted within contemporary artistic practice.
Residency Dates & Location
- 14 September 2026 – 14 December 2026
- Based in Saga City, Japan, with direct access to Nao Tesuki Washi (hand papermaking workshop) and Morodomi woodcraft region
What You'll Do
Participants engage directly with long-established material practices—washi production maintained continuously for 400 years, and a wood-furniture industry shaped by more than six decades of regional knowledge. Throughout the residency, you will observe, learn, discuss possibilities, and develop research or prototypes in collaboration with craftspeople, with regular check-ins from coordination staff and the directorial team.
Accommodation & Workspace
- Individual bedroom in shared accommodation in Saga City
- Shared living facilities including common room, kitchen, and bathroom
- Individual studio/workspace provided for residents
- Individual working space within partner company (LEGNATEC for woodcraft or Nao Tesuki Washi for washi)
- Local transport options available for day-to-day mobility
Support
- English-speaking coordination staff support communication with craftspeople
- Technical specialists available for guidance on woodworking, washi production, and other relevant processes
- Regular meetings with coordination staff and directorial team to monitor progress and discuss additional needs
- Assistance in arranging technical access and scheduling work periods with craftspeople
Eligibility
Open to visual artists. Designers should apply via the Creative Industries Fund NL instead.
Application Status
Application closed. For terms, conditions, assessment criteria, and application checklist, refer to Residency (international) guidelines.
- Award
- Residency period of 3 months at Arita or Saga Prefecture (accommodation, studio/workspace, and access to craftspeople workshops provided)
- Theme
- Research-driven residency focused on contemporary artistic practice informed by traditional Japanese material cultures of washi (hand papermaking) and woodcraft, exploring how these 400+ year-old traditions can be extended, adapted, or reinterpreted in contemporary work.
- Eligibility
- Open to visual artists (designers should apply via the Creative Industries Fund NL instead).
- Audience
- Visual artists
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