Artist-in-Residence “Autonomous Activity Program 2026 Winter” and “Invitation Program 2026 Spring” Open Call Have Started!

About the Open Call

The purpose of the Artist-in-Residence project is to host and support artists from domestic and overseas who conduct creative activities while residing at the Niigata City Center for Creative Arts and International Youth Exchange (YUI-PORT). This aims to create an environment where creative human resources can easily gather, transmit Niigata City's charm, and inspire regional pride by rediscovering the attractions of the region through interaction between citizens and artists. YUI-PORT is a refurbished former junior high school facility, near the central urban area of Niigata City, facing the Sea of Japan and a pine forest. Residing artists can conduct higher creative activities inspired by Niigata City's natural, historical, and cultural charm. Artists will also open their creative process to the public through workshops and research, fostering relationships with citizens and youth and leading to diverse creative developments. Interaction among artists residing concurrently is encouraged to fuse different fields. The program offers two opportunities: ‘Autonomous Activity Program 2026 Winter’ inviting 2 individuals/groups for up to 30 days (Jan 8 – Feb 13, 2026) and ‘Invitation Program 2026 Spring’ inviting 2 individuals/groups for up to 90 days (April 1 – June 30, 2026).

What is Offered

The invitation is based on the principle that artists participate in the program by themselves; their families and production assistants are not allowed to accompany or stay. It is possible for more than one person, such as a group, to apply, but in that case, the support will be for 1 person (1 room). The support/invitation contents differ between the ‘Autonomous Activity Program’ and the ‘Invitation Program’, requiring applicants to check the specific requirements.

Requirements

Applicants must be currently active artists (genre does not matter), participate in the citizen exchange project at least once in cooperation with the Designated Administrator, reside and conduct creative activities in YUI-PORT, be able to communicate in either Japanese or English, and be in good health condition.

How to Apply

Please download the designated application form from the website, fill in the necessary information and apply by e-mail to yuiportair-apply@kirameki.co.jp. For 'Autonomous Activity Program Applicants', use subject 'AIR 2026 Winter Application'. For 'Invitation Program Applicants', use subject 'AIR 2026 Spring Application'. Documents to be submitted include: (a) Application form, (b) One photograph of your face taken within the last 6 months (representative's photo attached to form), and (c) Work Materials (up to 3 images less than 1MB each, and optionally up to 3 video works with URLs from YouTube/Vimeo, total length within 10 minutes). Keep the application form within 6 pages of A4 size. Applications outside the acceptance period (July 7, 2025 – August 22, 2025 23:59 JST) will not be accepted.