The Kyoto Retreat

The Kyoto Retreat is a fully funded four-week residency based in Kyoto, Japan, running throughout November 2026 (1–30 November). Kyoto — Japan's imperial capital for over a millennium — offers a rich backdrop of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and living cultural traditions, all set against mild autumn weather perfect for exploration.

Selected participants receive a roundtrip flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM), a private bedroom in a shared house for the full four weeks, and $800 USD to cover meals and local transport.

The retreat welcomes artists, curators, and writers at all career stages working across drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, interdisciplinary practice, and social practice. Applicants must be 21 years or older.

The ethos of the retreat is research and exploration rather than production — you are not required to make new work. Instead, the time is designed to let you immerse yourself in Japanese culture, connect with other creatives, and find inspiration in a calm, nurturing environment. A handful of scheduled events will be offered during the stay, alongside plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.

To apply, you'll need to submit a CV or résumé, a brief statement about your creative interests, a description of how you'd use the time if selected, and up to 10 work samples.