About the program

Perched high above Kyoto, Villa Kujoyama is a research and pluridisciplinary arts residency, which, since 1992, welcomes established and emerging artists seeking to work on a project in connection with Japan, with the wish to promote intercultural dialogue through artistic and intellectual exchanges – and contemporary creation. Since its founding, close to 400 artists have spent time at Villa Kujoyama and helped forge its reputation as a force for intercultural cooperation and Franco-Japanese creation.
Throughout their residency at Villa Kujoyama, successful applicants in various fields, from traditional handcrafts to digital creation, not forgetting the visual and performing arts, receive guidance from a designated on-site team, and are invited to engage with artistic, cultural, academic and business environments in Japan. Each year, thanks to three distinct programs – solo, duo or in tandem with a Japanese artist – some twenty French practitioners, or resident in France for at least five years, benefit from a unique environment and the many resources at their disposal to conduct research, with no obligation to produce a work at the end of the residency.
On a regular basis, Villa Kujoyama stages actions and projects both within and beyond its walls. Thanks to its own, it builds on lasting and innovative partnerships, connecting individuals, institutions and artists-in-residence for each project it accompanies. It offers artists a continued presence on the international art scene through exhibitions, talks, performances, and other innovative and connected forms, both during and after their residency, in France, in Japan and throughout the world.

Language

French / English / Japanese

Eligibility

No age limit is required.
Mastering the French language is not a selection requirement for the Japanese applicant. However, the applicant must be able to speak English, when necessary.
The hosting conditions at the Villa Kujoyama do not enable more than two people to be admitted per project. Groups, artist groups, companies, troupes exceeding this number shall not be included in this program.
French people, French residents (over than 5 years) and Japanese people resident in Japan are eligible for the programs.

Application deadline

According to each year, mostly at the beginning of the year (January or February). Application is available for the next year following the application (ex. Applying for the 2022 open call, for 2023 residency). All the application process is available on Villa Kujoyama website.
Due to the pandemic situation, any open call would be available for 2022 residency stay, as 2020 and 2021 residency stays are planned on 2022. Thank you for your comprehension.

Duration

The residency stay could be realized within the same year, from January to December.
In no case can the stays be fractioned or carried over to the following year.
The residency period shall be for a period of 2 to 6 months depending on the following program category:
Solo: 2 to 6 months
Team: 2 to 3 months
Duo: 2 to 3 months

Studio information

Villa Kujoyama can provide six studio apartments, a duplex of a surface area of 64 square meters (690 square feet), each with a kitchen, bathroom and two single beds.
Each resident shall be entitled to a studio apartment, dedicated to their artistic research.
In addition :
A working studio in the garden of Villa Kujoyama, full equipped can be used to realize production work outside the studio apartment.
An auditorium with hardwood floors and audiovisual equipment (5m x 2.8m screen, video projector, Mac computer, microphones, loudspeakers) and a tuned piano. This room, measuring 90 square meters (970 square feet), is suitable for dance, theater, music, cinematographic screenings and conferences.
Pierre Bergé Hall is provided to enable residents to welcome outside visitors.
A reading room equipped with a library comprised of works by residents since 1992, a laser printer scanner, A3 inkjet printer and dual scan LED.

What the AiR provides

The Institut Français shall pay for a round trip ticket (France-Osaka) for a maximum amount of 1,400 Euros for residents in the Solo or Team program. Within the scope of the Duo program, the Japanese resident shall not benefit from the handling of transport to Villa Kujoyama.
A monthly amount shall be allocated to all Villa Kujoyama residents as follows:
Solo: The resident shall receive a monthly allowance of 2,100 Euros for their stay.
Team: Both residents shall receive a monthly allowance of 1,600 Euros for their stay.
Duo: Both residents shall each receive a monthly allowance of 1,600 Euros for their stay.

What the Artist pays

Its own daily expenses (food, commute, travel, etc.) and material needed for his research.

How to apply

The selection process is carried out in several stages:

• An Expert Committee examines all the applications, preselects and auditions the applicants.
• A Final Selection Committee rules on all applications and appoints the residents. Its decisions cannot be contested.
  In addition to an assessment of the applicant’s professional path, special attention will be paid to:
• The quality and finality of the project
• The need for a research residency in Japan and more particularly at Villa Kujoyama
• The work protocol envisaged
• The contacts already identified, established on location

Outcome

On a regular basis, Villa Kujoyama stages actions and projects both within (open studios, encounters, dedicated projects) and beyond its walls with a rich events calendar and associated proposals according to its network, in Japan, France and worldwide.

Contact

Address: 17-22 Ebisudani-Cho, Hinooka, Yamashina-Ku, Kyoto 607-8492, Japan
Tel: +81 75 761 7940
E-mail: Please use the contact form
Website: Villa Kujoyama / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Vimeo

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