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ARCUS Project: Japan's Longest-Running International Artist Residency
Guide to ARCUS Project in Ibaraki, Japan offering JPY 540,000 stipends, round-trip airfare, and 90-day residencies for contemporary visual artists since 1994.
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ARCUS Project: Japan's Longest-Running International Artist Residency
ARCUS Project is Japan's most comprehensive and longest-running international contemporary artist residency, operating since 1994 in Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
What ARCUS Offers
Funded Artist-in-Residence Program
- Stipend: JPY 540,000 (approximately $3,600)
- Round-trip airfare covered
- Private studio: 67.5m2
- Furnished apartment
- Coordination and support
- Studio visits
- Translation assistance
- Duration: 90 days (late August - late November)
Program Philosophy
ARCUS emphasizes:
- Process over product - No exhibition requirement
- Research and fieldwork - Deep exploration encouraged
- Creative experimentation - New directions welcomed
- Community engagement - Connection with local residents
Location
The residency is housed in a former public school in Moriya City:
- Ibaraki Prefecture
- 40 minutes from Tokyo by train
- Access to both rural Japan and urban Tokyo
- Community-integrated setting
Application Details
Timeline
- Applications typically open early in the year
- 90-day residency runs late August through late November
- Check arcus-project.com for current deadlines
What's Evaluated
- Artistic quality and vision
- Project proposal relevance to ARCUS context
- Potential for meaningful engagement
- Diversity of artistic approaches
Self-Funded Option: ARCUS Research
For those seeking shorter, flexible residencies:
One Month: JPY 270,000
- Studio space
- Accommodation
- Basic consultation and orientation
Two Weeks: JPY 150,000
- Same inclusions as one-month
Periods available:
- Summer 2026: May 28 - June 26, July 2 - July 31
Facilities
Studios
- 67.5m2 private workspace
- Located in converted school building
- Good natural light
- Flexible for various practices
Accommodation
- Furnished apartment
- Kitchen facilities
- Basic amenities
- Independent living
Support
- Dedicated coordinator
- Translation services (Japanese/English)
- Studio visits from curators
- Local community connections
The ARCUS Experience
Daily Life
- Self-directed schedule
- Focus on research and creation
- Optional community engagement
- Access to Tokyo cultural scene
Community
- Local residents engagement opportunities
- Previous resident network
- Visiting professionals
- Cultural exchange
Japan Context
- Experience Japanese contemporary art scene
- Rural and urban contrast
- Traditional and contemporary culture
- Unique artistic perspective
Practical Considerations
Language
- English support provided
- Japanese helpful but not required
- Translation services available
Getting Around
- Public transportation accessible
- Bicycle recommended for local travel
- Tokyo day trips easy
Living Costs
- Stipend covers basic expenses
- Japan can be expensive
- Affordable food options available
- Healthcare accessible
Application Tips
- Research ARCUS history - Understand their 30+ year mission
- Process-focused proposal - Not about final exhibition
- Engagement with Japan - How will context influence your work?
- Clear but flexible goals - Open to discovery
- Quality documentation - Strong portfolio essential
Notable Aspects
- Longest-running international residency in Japan (since 1994)
- Prefectural government initiative
- Community integration focus
- Research emphasis over production
- Strong alumni network
How to Apply
- Visit arcus-project.com/en/open-call
- Review current application guidelines
- Prepare materials (portfolio, proposal, CV)
- Submit online application
- Email inquiries: arcus@arcus-project.com
Related Resources
Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on the official ARCUS Project website.