Deadline: 04-Mar-2026
The Creative Industries Fund NL invites designers, architects, spatial practitioners, and makers from the Netherlands or Dutch Caribbean islands to apply for the Saga Residency Grant. The programme supports three months of immersive research and development in Saga, Japan, with local craftsmen and papermakers. Selected participants receive a grant of €12,000 for travel, living, and materials, while accommodation, studio access, and guidance are fully covered. The residency fosters international exchange, material experimentation, and long-term collaborative relationships.
Programme Overview
The Saga Residency Grant enables participants to conduct research and develop new work during a full-time residency in Saga, Japan, in collaboration with local woodworking and washi papermaking communities. The programme emphasizes:
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Cross-disciplinary experimentation and practice-based research
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Immersion in traditional Japanese production methods
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Long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange with regional craftsmen
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International exchange between designers, artists, and makers
The residency is delivered in collaboration with the Mondriaan Fund and aims to foster international perspectives while encouraging new applications for traditional materials and techniques.
Residency Details
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Duration: 14 September 2026 – 14 December 2026
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Funding: €12,000 grant for travel, living expenses, materials, insurance, and research necessities
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Coverage: Accommodation, workspace, and guidance costs are provided by the Fund
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Location: Saga City, Japan
During the residency, participants will live in shared accommodation with private bedrooms and individual studio space, access public transport for commuting, and work closely with local craftsmen in partner organisations.
Structure of the Residency
The residency is organized into three phases:
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Orientation and Practice-Based Research – Introduction to Saga’s production methods, initial experimentation, and material exploration
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Project Development and Experimentation – Active engagement with local craftsmen, material testing, and iterative development of the project
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Production and Public Presentation – Finalizing work, consolidating findings, and presenting outcomes at the conclusion of the residency
Participants are expected to communicate progress regularly, actively engage with local craftsmen, and take part in an introductory presentation and a final showcase.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be individual designers, architects, spatial practitioners, or makers
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Be established in the Netherlands or Dutch Caribbean islands
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Demonstrate affinity with the Saga region and interest in continued collaboration
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Have practical knowledge of woodworking or papermaking (beneficial but not required)
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Commit to participating full-time throughout the residency
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted via the Creative Industries Fund NL’s online environment and include:
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A detailed project plan
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CV and portfolio
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Chamber of Commerce extract
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A representative image of proposed work or concept
Applications are assessed through a comparative ranking system based on:
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Artistic quality of the proposal
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Strength and clarity of the project plan
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Motivation and alignment with the residency objectives
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Potential for long-term exchange with Saga Prefecture
Deadline: Wednesday, 4 March 2026 at 16:00 CET
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Individual designers, architects, spatial practitioners, or makers based in the Netherlands or Dutch Caribbean islands.
2. What funding is provided?
Selected participants receive €12,000 for travel, living expenses, materials, insurance, and research costs. Accommodation, workspace, and guidance are fully covered.
3. How long is the residency?
Three months, from 14 September to 14 December 2026, requiring full-time participation.
4. Is prior experience with woodworking or papermaking required?
No, prior experience is beneficial but not mandatory. Applicants should demonstrate interest and willingness to immerse themselves in these techniques.
5. What are the key selection criteria?
Applications are assessed based on artistic quality, clarity and strength of the project plan, applicant motivation, and potential for long-term collaboration with Saga.
6. What documents are needed for the application?
Project plan, CV, portfolio, Chamber of Commerce extract, and a representative image.
Conclusion
The Saga Residency Grant Programme offers a unique opportunity for designers, makers, and architects to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and production traditions of Saga, Japan, while developing their own work in collaboration with local craftsmen. By combining practice-based research, material experimentation, and international exchange, participants can expand their creative horizons and establish lasting collaborative relationships. Applicants are encouraged to submit thoughtful, well-prepared proposals that demonstrate artistic vision, motivation, and alignment with the residency’s objectives.
For more information, visit Creative Industries Fund NL.