*** in Residence Kyoto 2026 Exchange Programme

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM, 16 Aug 2026 (GMT+7)

From AirVine Artist-in-Residence Vietnam Network (AiRViNe):

AirVine Artist-in-Residence Vietnam Network (AiRViNe) initiates residency and research exchanges that bridge Vietnam, Japan, and the wider regional ecosystem. Expanding beyond a bilateral scope, this iteration aims to lay the groundwork for a dynamic triangular exchange network connecting practitioners across Vietnam, Japan, and neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.

Rather than a conventional production residency, this initiative serves as an incubator for cross-regional dialogue, peer learning, and long-term partnership. By immersing participants in Kyoto’s unique cultural ecosystem, we seek to cultivate shared knowledge, spark new collaborative frameworks, and strengthen the collective fabric of creative and cultural networks across Southeast Asia and Japan.

For this programme, Artist-in-Residence Vietnam Network (AiRViNe), in collaboration with Asterisk in Residence Kyoto (hereinafter called *** in Residence Kyoto), is inviting applications for one participant from Southeast Asia to join a residency and research stay hosted in Kyoto, Japan.

1. Concept & Who We Are Looking For

Rather than focusing exclusively on artists in the conventional sense, we are particularly interested in practitioners whose work supports, connects, and shapes cultural ecosystems. However, we also warmly welcome individuals working in crafts, food, gardening, and other fields that fall outside conventional artist categories.

We welcome applications and nominations from practitioners across three main focus areas:

Mediators, Coordinators & Facilitators: Researchers, curators, and cultural organizers who help bridge communities, foster creative networks, and build ecosystems around creative work.

Craft & Cultural Heritage Practitioners: Individuals working closely with traditional crafts, craft communities, material culture, or intangible cultural heritage.

Everyday & Place-Based Practitioners: Practitioners whose work engages culture, place, and knowledge-sharing through everyday practices – such as gardeners, chefs, culinary researchers, or community organizers – who may not typically fit within conventional residency frameworks.

Broadening Connections: Beyond the Vietnam–Japan exchange, *** in Residence Kyoto 2026 Exchange Programme in Japan aims to lay the groundwork for long-term relationships across Southeast Asia, exploring multi-directional and triangular exchanges (e.g., Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia,…).

Eligibility
– Individuals with a basic level of English communication skills
– Age 25 to 45.
– Freelancers, and individuals affiliated with organisations are all welcome to apply.

Host Programme & Potential Residency Sites in Kyoto

– Host Programme: *** in Residence Kyoto Exchange Programme
– Location: Kyoto, Japan
– Host Organisation: *** in Residence Kyoto

3. Residency Sites in Kyoto

*** in Residence Kyoto offers flexibility regarding the final residency site. The host venue will be decided collaboratively through consultation between the selected participant, AiRViNe, and *** in Residence Kyoto office, matching the profile, research interests, and practice of the participant.

Potential residency sites: Rakushi Housing Complex (Rakushi Danchi)

A public housing complex currently undergoing a gradual transformation into a creative residency environment. While the buildings themselves are modest, the initiative collaborates with a local architecture office called “STUDIO MONAKA” and a project called “Yohaku Materials Department”, which stages rooms using reclaimed and surplus materials collected from the neighborhood. This site offers a space to explore adaptive reuse, neighborhood resource networks, and new forms of living within an ordinary residential setting.
* The availability of residency sites may vary due to the participant’s schedule.

4. Programme Period & Schedule

Residency Window: Flexible between September 2026 and March 2027
Duration of Stay: 1 month

The specific dates and duration of stay will be finalised through mutual consultation among the selected participants, *** in Residence Kyoto, and AiRViNe.

5. Support Provided

For the selected participant, the programme will cover:
– International Travel: Full coverage of a round-trip international flight expenses between Vietnam/Southeast Asia and Kyoto.
– Accommodation: Full coverage of accommodation costs at one of the designated residency sites in Kyoto.
– Pre- and Post-programme Coordination: Guidance, local contacts, and support from both AiRViNe and *** in Residence Kyoto.
– Network & Exchange Opportunities: Facilitated introductions to local artisans, cultural institutions, community groups, and local coordinators in Kyoto and Japan.

Visa procedures, local transport, travel arrangements, and overseas travel insurance must be managed by the participant. Overseas travel insurance enrollment is mandatory.

6. Conditions of Participation

A selected participant is expected to:
– organize at least one public program to showcase their research & activities during their stay.
– participate in the public programs organized by *** in Residence Kyoto during their stay
– corporate with interviews etc to participate *** in Residence Kyoto’s PR activities.

7. Application Procedure

This programme is open for direct applications via Open Call. Interested candidates are invited to submit their application materials directly to Artist-in-Residence Vietnam Network (AiRViNe) via email.

Application Materials (Please submit the following documents in English):
Curriculum Vitae (CV) & Short Bio: A complete CV detailing your activity history, project involvement, work experience, and relevant background & a short bio (approx. 150–200 words) summarizing your current practice and role.
Portfolio / Work Overview: Documentation of your past projects, activities, or research (Format: PDF, maximum 10 pages, file size within 5MB).
Residency Proposal / Statement of Interest:
– A brief proposal outlining: period of stay, and activities during your stay.
– Why you wish to participate in this Kyoto residency exchange.
– How your practice relates to cultural coordination, mediation, traditional crafts, everyday culture, or ecosystem-building.
– Your research focus or interests in Kyoto, including your preferred residency environment (e.g., community-engaged, adaptive housing, or nature-based site).
– How you envision contributing to cross-border dialogue and building long-term networks between Vietnam, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Reference Links (optional): website, video URLs, publications, or social media

8. Submission Details & Deadline

Submission Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: [Application: AiRViNe 2026 Kyoto Residency] Applicant Name
Application Deadline: 16.08.2026 | 23:59 (GMT+7)

9. Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed collaboratively by a joint selection committee composed of representatives from AiRViNe and *** in Residence Kyoto. Online interviews may be conducted.
Announcement Date: July 28, 2026
Application Deadline: August 16, 2026
Final Interviews (Online): Early-September 2026
Final Result Announcement: Late September 2026

10. Enquiries

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: AirVine Artist-in-Residence Vietnam Network
Instagram: @airvine.info

Follow updates on event’s page.