L-AIR General Incorporated Associationresidency
L-AIR Himeji Artist-in-Residence Program – Call for Artists for 2027
Travel coveredHousing: Free accommodation and studio provided
- Who Can Apply: Individual artists, designers, or creators and artist duos of any discipline, age, or nationality; no leather experience is required, but applicants must communicate in Japanese or English and engage with local residents and leather craftspeople.
- The Focus: A two-to-three-month residency in Himeji's leather-industry town exploring new forms of expression through leather, with field research, skill learning, open studio, and a final presentation.
- The Funding: Production support grant up to JPY 250,000/month for Japanese artists or JPY 150,000/month for international artists, plus round-trip travel reimbursement, free accommodation, open studio, and leather materials; living expenses are not provided.
- Key Requirements: An email application to info@l-air.or.jp with the subject "L-AIR Artist Apply" containing project title/name, project overview/proposed theme, preferred season, biography (nationality/country and past achievements), and a completed project sheet using the provided Word/PDF form; optional portfolio, website/Instagram, media coverage, and additional project materials.
DeadlineMonday, November 30, 2026
StipendProduction support grant up to JPY 250,000 per month for Japanese artists; up to JPY 150,000 per month for international artists (not a living allowance).
DurationTwo to three months
Program datesSeason 1: January 4 – March 28, 2027; Season 2: April 1 – June 27, 2027; Season 3: July 1 – September 26, 2027; Season 4: October 1 – December 19, 2027
LocationHimeji, Hyogo
ParticipationOn-site
Career stagesAll Stages
DisciplinesAll disciplines, Leather as primary material
Application notesSubmit by email to info@l-air.or.jp with the subject "L-AIR Artist Apply". If the file size is large, use a file transfer service. If unable to download the application form, email with the subject "L-AIR Artist Apply – Request for Application Form". Applications are reviewed by L-AIR directors and curators, followed by an individual online or in-person interview. Living expenses and insurance are the artist's responsibility; travel is reimbursed after arrival with receipts. Accompanying persons are generally not permitted. Progress reports, open studio/final exhibition participation, and installation are required; the Japanese-language residency agreement prevails in case of discrepancy.
Contactinfo@l-air.or.jp
L-AIR General Incorporated Association
Organization based in Himeji