Open Call
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
ARCUS RESEARCH
ARCUS Research Summer 2027 (one or two months)
ARCUS Research Winter 2028 (six week)
ARCUS Research is a short-term and self-funded program that offers uninterrupted time and a contemplative environment for creative experimentation, in-depth fieldwork, and research for practitioners and professionals in art and other cultural fields, including artists, curators, researchers, university educators, or writers. The program is scheduled twice a year, in the summer of 2027 and the winter of 2028. Located around an hour from Tokyo and a half hour from Tsukuba City, known for hosting one of the largest accumulations of science and technology institutes in the world, ARCUS Research allows participants to come into contact with the contemporary art scene and leading research institutions, as well as devote themselves to their creative endeavors in a calm environment. The program provides participants from around the world with valuable time and space to reflect, unwind, and nurture the creative process.
Please read the program guideline carefully before applying.
Duration
One-month residency: 1 to 3 participants for each period
June 3 –July 2, 2027
July 7 – August 5, 2027
Two-month residency: 1 to 3 participants
June 3 – August 5, 2027
Six-week residency: 3 participants
January 14–February 24, 2028
PROGRAM FEE [Paid by participants]
One-month residency: JPY270,000
Two-month residency: JPY520,000
Six-week residency: JPY400,000
The fee includes studio space, accommodation, and basic consultation and orientation at the beginning of the residency program. As an optional activity, participants are invited to the “Show & Tell” salon to present their work and share projects with the local community at the end of the residency.
FUNDING
This is a self-funded residency program. If participants apply for grants from institutions, government agencies, or universities in their country/province of origin, ARCUS Project will provide the acceptance letter for the grant application once you are selected for the program.
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant must:
- be a practitioner or other professional in a cultural and art-related field, including an artist, curator, researcher, or writer.
- not be enrolled at an educational institution during the program period unless a PhD program.
- have English-language ability proficient enough to communicate with staff.
APPLICATION
The following materials should be compiled in one PDF (A4 size) in a folder named “Last name_First name” (e.g., Smith_David) and compressed into a Zip file. The PDF file must not exceed 6 MB. Email the file to arcus@arcus-project.com with “2027 ARCUS Research Application” in the subject line.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 16, 2026 (23:59:59 JST)
Contact
Inquiries about applications are accepted via email: arcus@arcus-project.com. Please be aware that we cannot respond to inquiries received after the application period has finished.ARCUS Project is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays. Any inquiries sent when ARCUS is closed will be answered the next working day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are group applications accepted?
A group can apply using a single application form. However, the grant provided by ARCUS Project (for accommodation and production costs, etc.) is for one individual only. This grant may be shared between the members of a group, however.
Can my partner or family also stay?
Yes. One partner or family member may accompany the participant; however, no more than two adults can be housed. Additional accommodation fee and rental fee for bedding will be charged for an accompanying person, including a partner, a family member and a member of the group (in case of duo or group submission).