Open Call
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
ARCUS RESEARCH SUMMER 2026
ARCUS Research is a short-term and self-funded program that offers an uninterrupted time and 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 2026 and the winter of 2027. (Open Call for winter period will be around the spring 2026) 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 guidelines carefully before applying.
DURATION
One-month residency: 1 or 2 participants for each period
・May 28 – June 26, 2026
・July 2 – July 31, 2026
Two-month residency: 1 or 2 participants
・May 28 – July 31, 2026
PROGRAM FEE [Paid by participants]
One-month residency: JPY270,000
Two-month residency: JPY520,000
The fee includes studio space, accommodation, and basic consultation and orientation at the beginning of the residency program. As an option 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 “2026 ARCUS Research Application” in the subject line.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 8, 2025 (23:59:59 UTC+9)
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 Studio is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays. Any inquiries sent when ARCUS Studio 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, a studio and accommodation are shared.
Can my partner or family also stay?
Yes. One partner or family member may accompany the participant; however, the accommodation is designated for single occupancy, and no more than two adults can be housed. An additional fee of 1,500 JPY per night will be charged for the accompanying guest, along with a futon rental fee based on the length of stay.