Arts Catalyst has partnered with NPO S-AIR to offer a fully funded residency opportunity for an artist or curator in Sapporo, Japan for 20-30 days, between January and March 2018

This exciting opportunity offers an artist or curator working in the contemporary visual arts the chance to learn more about Japan, to open dialogue with Japanese artists and communities, and to establish networks between the UK and Japan. The selected artist or curator will be expected to produce new works or to propose a new curatorial project, with an emphasis on experimentation in their own field.

S-AIR in Sapporo, on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaidō, hosts one of the oldest artist-in-residence programmes in Japan. Arts Catalyst in London and S-AIR have an ongoing partnership spanning several years and have previously each hosted artists and curators from the other’s country, and developed joint projects and exhibitions. Hokkaidō has a particularly unique context within Japan, with a distinctive culture and history, and large wilderness. It is famous for its snow landscapes and activities in winter.

We are particularly interested in proposals that focus on some aspect of ecology, climate, economy, science or technology in relation to Japan. A focus on Hokkaidō is encouraged as part of the project, although this is not essential.

Applicants should research S-AIR ( s-air.org ), Arts Catalyst ( artscatalyst.org ), and submit a project proposal outlining what they would like to do while in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, or Japan, and the artistic or curatorial rationale for wanting to be resident there. Proposals may include research, meeting with identified artistic/cultural influences, creating or proposing a new body of work and/or artistic collaborations. The resident artist/curator will be asked to give either a lecture or a workshop and to make a small exhibition or presentation during, and resulting from, their time in Japan.

There’s also a possibility to develop a future project with Arts Catalyst, based on the research carried out on this residency.

The visiting artist or curator will also be required to submit a written report within 30 days after their residency and to seek opportunities to share their experience on their return to UK – this could mean an exhibition, a series of presentations or artists talks, or publication of articles.

This residency opportunity forms part of Arts Catalyst's forthcoming Undisciplinary Action Group, launching late 2017, a peer-led programme that will provide artists, curators and practitioners with a space for dialogue and learning in an informal, dynamic environment. The Undisciplinary Action Group will serve as a laboratory from which to discuss, develop and reflect on transdisciplinary practices and discourse.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum age: 21

Applicants must be at least one year out of full-time, undergraduate education (for graduates from further education this year does not apply) and must have exhibited or curated previous projects and have a professional portfolio.

Applicants must be a UK resident and have a UK address. Japanese nationals/passport holders are not eligible even if they are UK resident.

DATES

Between 4 January - 17 March, 2018

Curator (Minimum 20 days, up to 30 days)

or

Artist (Minimum 30 days, up to 60 days)

SUPPORT INCLUDED*

Return flights between UK-Japan (Sapporo CTS airport)

Research or material fees

Per diem

Accommodation

Translation support

*Please note, expenses listed above are for 1 person only, if you choose to apply as a duo or collective you must show how you will be able to fund both people in your application.

HOW TO APPLY:

Deadline: 12 am, Sunday 1 October 2017

Please send a written proposal and CV to admin@artscatalyst.org

- The written proposal should introduce your work and why the opportunity would help develop your research and career (1000 words with images)

- A current CV (maximum 2 pages)

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE IN PDF or MICROSOFT WORD - do not copy and paste your application in the email.

ABOUT S-AIR

S-AIR is a non-profit arts organisation established in 1999 (registered NPO in 2004) in Sapporo, the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, and is now one of the oldest ongoing artist-in-residence programmes in the country. S-AIR has hosted 92 artists in total from 39 countries during its 18 years’ operation. S-AIR has been at the forefront of the Sapporo art scene, building networks with artists, organisations and institutions in Japan and overseas. In 2017, S-AIR re-located its office in a shared studio building with many artists and organisations in central Sapporo.

ABOUT ARTS CATALYST

Arts Catalyst is one of the UK's most distinctive arts organisations, distinguished by ambitious art commissions and its unique take on art-science practice. Its primary focus is commissioning new artists' projects, presented in a range of museums, art galleries and other public spaces in the UK and internationally. In its 23 years, Arts Catalyst has commissioned more than 140 artists’ projects, including major new works by Tomas Saraceno, Aleksandra Mir, Critical Art Ensemble, Jan Fabre, Yuri Leiderman, Stefan Gec, Otolith Group, Beatriz da Costa, Kira O’Reilly and Marko Peljhan, and produced numerous exhibitions, events, performances and publications, collaborating with major arts, science and academic organisations.

SUPPORT

This residency is supported by Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan

Headline image: Tomari Nuclear Power Plant, Hokkaidō, taken during curator Warren Harper and artist James Ravinet's residency facilitated by Arts Catalyst and S-AIR in March 2017