#Japan #O'Shaughnessy Ventures #Nagano #Akiya Collective #Michelle Huang

O'Shaughnessy Ventures Awards Fellowship to Transform Rural Homes

In an inspiring initiative aiming to combat rural decline, O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV) has awarded a generous $100,000 fellowship to artist and researcher Michelle Huang. Based in Nagano, Japan, Huang plans to leverage this fellowship to convert vacant houses into community spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration. This project isn't merely about physical renovation; it's a broader vision of revitalizing rural areas that have been experiencing a drastic demographic and economic decline.

Akiya Collective: A Catalyst for Change

Huang is the driving force behind Akiya Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming Japan’s vacant homes, known as “akiya.” These abandoned properties often symbolize the challenges faced by rural communities. However, through Akiya Collective, Huang is turning these challenges into opportunities by establishing collaborative creative hubs.

With a mission to develop new social architecture models, the collective recently acquired its pilot property: a traditional Japanese folk house. After an extensive renovation, this space has been transformed into a community makerspace that now hosts artist residencies, workshops, and various creative events. Huang’s innovative approach has gained recognition not only in Japan but internationally, inspiring collaborative projects in countries like Thailand, Korea, and India.

Expanding the Vision: Future Plans

Huang envisions using her fellowship to scale up her existing work, which includes recruiting researchers and exploring new development opportunities. One of her goals is to publicly share her research findings, thus encouraging similar projects across various rural landscapes. In her own words, she aims to "scale wonder through social-spatial technologies," emphasizing the transformative potential of combining artistry with architecture and community engagement.

OSV's founder, Jim O'Shaughnessy, expressed his excitement about Huang's project, noting, "Michelle's blueprint for community revitalization is an exciting solution to an urgent problem. We’re honored to help her take this to the next level." This endorsement highlights the fellowships' broader aim of empowering creatives who are committed to making significant societal impacts.

The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships Program

Launched in 2023, the O'Shaughnessy Fellowships program is designed to support innovative thinkers and creators. Each fellow receives $100,000 along with access to OSV’s extensive network of founders, investors, and experts, providing invaluable resources for growth and development. In 2025 alone, OSV plans to award a total of 12 fellowships, each one aimed at fostering transformative ideas in various sectors. Additionally, the O'Shaughnessy Grants program offers 20 more grants of $10,000 to promising innovators, thus widening the safety net for creative endeavors.

Huang's selection as the eighth fellow underscores her commitment to community empowerment and her innovative spirit. The fellowship reflects a growing recognition of the role art and creativity can play in addressing social issues, particularly in rural regions.

As applications for the fellowships will reopen on January 1, 2026, more creators will have the opportunity to present their transformative ideas, supported by a robust network and funding.

Huang's efforts illustrate the potential of integrating artistry and community development, paving the way for a brighter, more engaged future for rural Japan. To learn more about O'Shaughnessy Ventures and the fellowship, you can visit their official website.

The impact of this initiative could very well signal a new era of rural revitalization, showcasing how innovation in social architecture can lead to meaningful community transformation that resonates far beyond Japan's borders.