【Hyogo】L-AIR Himeji ｜Artist-in-Residence Program｜Call for Artists for 2027 - AIR_J : Online Database of Artist in Residence Programs in Japan

Overview

L-AIR will host the 2027 Artist-in-Residence Program inviting artists from any discipline to undertake a creative residency of up to three months in Takagi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, a town known for its leather industry. Artists will explore new forms of expression using leather as the primary material, guided by questions about innovative combinations of materials, techniques, and forms, and envisioning future lifestyles through leather.

Key Dates

• Application period: August 6, 2026 – May 31, 2027
• Season 1: Application Deadline September 30, 2026; Residency January 4 – March 28, 2027
• Season 2: Application Deadline November 30, 2026; Residency April 1 – June 27, 2027
• Season 3: Application Deadline March 1, 2027; Residency July 1 – September 26, 2027
• Season 4: Application Deadline May 31, 2027; Residency October 1 – December 19, 2027
• All deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST)

Eligibility

Individual artists, designers, creators, or artist duos currently engaged in creative practice are welcome. All disciplines are welcome. There are no restrictions regarding age, nationality, or cultural background. No prior knowledge or experience with leather is required. Applicants must be able to communicate in either Japanese or English and must be willing to make their creative process open and share it through social media and other platforms.

Requirements

• Must be able to engage in creative activities through interaction and collaboration with leather craftsmen and local residents
• Must actively explore the appeal of leather and the Takagi area through fieldwork and interaction with local people and leather producers
• Must participate in exchange opportunities including open studio, final presentation exhibition, gallery talks, lectures, and related activities
• Must respect differences in gender, cultural background, nationality, values, and other individual characteristics, and be able to live cooperatively with other artists and residents

Support Provided

• Studio space available
• Accommodation provided
• Presentation spaces (gallery, hall) available
• Travel support available
• Production budget available
• Program coordinator available
• Technical staff available
• No living expenses provided

Final Presentation

Artists are required to present the results of their residency during their stay. The dates and venue for the presentation will be determined in consultation with the organizer. Artists are expected to remain in residence during the Saturday and Sunday immediately following the opening to interact with visitors. Artists are responsible for installation and setup of their own work, though supplementary assistance may be discussed with the organizer. Artists must maintain their work if maintenance is required during the presentation period.

Important Terms

All works created using leather materials provided during the residency will be donated to L-AIR for inclusion in its activity archive exhibitions. Copyright of photographs, videos, and other documentation recorded by the organizer belongs to the organizer, which may use such materials free of charge for publicity and promotional purposes. If the organizer provides specific instructions regarding interviews or media coverage, artists must comply with such instructions.

Location

77 Takagi, Hanada-cho, Himeji-shi, Hyogo 671-0256, Japan