Submissions open for Artist in Residence Program

Deadline: 25-Jan-2026

The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum (FAAM) Artist-in-Residence Program 2026-2027 offers international and domestic artists the opportunity to create and exhibit work in Fukuoka, Japan. The program provides comprehensive financial support, including travel, housing, a daily stipend, and up to 500,000 JPY for production costs. Selected artists engage in community exchange through workshops and exhibitions at the Artist Cafe Fukuoka.

The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum (FAAM) Residency is a prestigious international exchange initiative designed to position Fukuoka as a global creative hub. By bringing together contemporary artists from Asia and the rest of the world, the program fosters deep cultural understanding and professional networking within the global art community.

Why It Matters: Strategic Cultural Exchange

This residency serves as more than just a studio space; it is a platform for:

• Global Career Expansion: Providing artists with the resources to elevate their work for an international audience.

• Community Enrichment: Nurturing local appreciation for contemporary art through direct interaction with global practitioners.

• Network Building: Creating an interactive platform for international human and organizational networks in the arts.

• Creative Hub Development: Strengthening Fukuoka’s reputation as a center for artistic innovation.

Key Concepts and Definitions

• FAAM (Fukuoka Asian Art Museum): The world’s only museum that systematically collects and exhibits Asian contemporary art.

• Artistic Exchange Program: Mandatory activities where artists interact with Fukuoka citizens, such as workshops, lectures, or collaborative projects.

• Artist Cafe Fukuoka: The primary collaborative space for the residency, serving as both a studio and an exhibition venue.

• Production Grant: A designated fund (up to 500,000 JPY) specifically for the realization of the artist’s proposed project.

Who is Eligible?

The FAAM residency is open to artists worldwide, regardless of nationality. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Professional Experience: Proven track record in contemporary art with the potential for international career growth.

• Commitment: Ability to work in the studio approximately five days a week and participate in the full residency period.

• Communication: Basic proficiency in either Japanese or English.

• Motivation: A strong desire to engage in artistic exchange across Asian regions and with the local Fukuoka community.

• Endorsement: Must provide a recommendation letter from a professional art institution or individual.

Financial Support and Logistics

FAAM provides extensive coverage for residency-related costs:

• Travel: Full international and domestic round-trip travel expenses.

• Accommodation: Provided in short-stay apartments designated by FAAM.

• Daily Stipend: 2,400 JPY per day for living expenses.

• Production Costs: Up to 500,000 JPY for art-making and exhibition expenses.

• Program Support: Coverage for exchange program materials, publicity, and art insurance during exhibitions.

Artist Responsibilities: Residents are responsible for their own medical fees and the costs associated with handling/shipping artworks after the exhibition concludes.

Residency Periods and Schedule

Residencies are divided into three distinct slots. The specific duration for each artist is determined through discussions with FAAM based on project complexity.

1. Period 1: Mid-July 2026 to Mid-October 2026 (Approx. 90 days).

2. Period 2: October 2026 to December 2026 (Approx. 80 days).

3. Period 3: Mid-January 2027 to March 2027 (Approx. 70 days).

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Project Proposal: Outline a plan for art-making and community exchange in Fukuoka.

2. Recommendation Letter: Secure a digital letter of recommendation from an art professional or organization.

3. Portfolio Preparation: Select high-quality digital images of works created within the last five years.

4. Online Submission: Complete the official FAAM online application form.

5. Technical Check: Ensure the total size of all digital materials (forms, images, portrait) does not exceed 20MB.

6. Deadline: Submit by 11:59 PM (JST), January 25, 2026.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Neglecting the Exchange Aspect: FAAM prioritizes artists who show genuine interest in community workshops and artist talks. Don’t focus solely on studio time.

• Over-sized Files: Applications exceeding the 20MB limit may be rejected or fail to upload. Compress images where necessary.

• Vague Budgets: For the 500,000 JPY production grant, provide a realistic and professional estimate of material and exhibition costs.

• Family Planning: Note that family members are generally not permitted to accompany the artist during the residency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply as an artist group? Yes, groups may apply. However, FAAM provides financial support (travel, stipend, etc.) for only one member of the group.

2. Is there a specific age limit for applicants? No, there are no age restrictions, provided the applicant has notable professional experience in contemporary art.

3. What is the primary work environment like? Artists work at the Artist Cafe Fukuoka. The studio is available from 11:00 to 19:00 and is closed on Mondays.

4. Do I need to speak fluent Japanese? No. Basic communication skills in either English or Japanese are sufficient to participate in the program.

5. Can I travel outside of Japan during the residency? Generally, international travel during the residency period is not permitted as artists are expected to be present for their five-day work weeks.

6. Who decides which residency period I am assigned to? The period is decided through a collaborative discussion between the selected applicant and FAAM, based on the requirements of the proposed project.

7. Does FAAM keep the artwork created during the residency? The residency focuses on the creation and public presentation of work; artists are responsible for the costs of handling or returning their work after the exhibition.

Conclusion

The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum Residency is a premier opportunity for contemporary artists to immerse themselves in the Japanese art scene while receiving full financial and professional support. By balancing independent studio work with meaningful community engagement, selected artists contribute to a vibrant, trans-Asian cultural dialogue.

For more information, visit FAAM.