ARCUS Research Winter 2027

ARCUS Research Winter 2027 is a short-term international residency programme based in Moriya City, Ibaraki, Japan — about an hour from Tokyo. Running for 43 days from 14 January to 25 February 2027, the programme offers artists, curators, researchers, and writers an uninterrupted period for creative experimentation, in-depth fieldwork, and independent research.

Participants are based at ARCUS Studio, located on the grounds of Koya Elementary School in Moriya City. The studio is a converted classroom of approximately 65 m², with internet access and basic furniture — note that it is not equipped with professional production facilities such as a workshop, shooting studio, SLR cameras, or projectors. Accommodation is in a furnished studio-style apartment with basic appliances.

The residency sits near Tsukuba City, one of the world's largest concentrations of science and technology research institutions, offering unique access to cutting-edge research environments and the wider contemporary art scene.

This is a self-funded programme. Selected participants are required to pay a programme fee of 400,000 JPY (paid in two instalments before arrival) and are responsible for their own transport, meals, insurance, and living costs. ARCUS will provide an official acceptance letter to support applications for external funding. One partner or family member may accompany participants at an additional cost of 1,500 JPY per day plus futon rental.

At the close of the residency, participants are invited to present their work at an optional 'Show & Tell' salon open to the local community.

Eligibility: Open to practitioners and professionals in art and cultural fields, including artists, curators, researchers, and writers. Applicants must not be enrolled at an educational institution during the programme period, unless undertaking a PhD. Proficiency in English is required for communication with staff.

To apply: Compile all materials into a single PDF (max 6 MB, A4 size), place in a folder named 'LastName_FirstName', compress as a ZIP file, and email to arcus@arcus-project.com with '2026 ARCUS Research Application' in the subject line. Required materials include a completed application form, CV (max 3 pages), project proposal (max 700 words — proposals exceeding this will not be considered), and 5 work samples with captions and 100-word descriptions each. Writers may substitute visual samples with 2–3 writing samples (max 700 words each). Two optional references may also be included.

Results will be announced in mid-July 2026.