#Japan #Setagaya #Setagaya Museum #Performance Residence #Art Network

Setagaya Art Museum x Art Network Japan:

Launch of the 'Performance Residence in Museum' for 2026-27

The Setagaya Art Museum, in collaboration with the NPO Art Network Japan, is thrilled to announce the call for applications for the artist residence program, "Performance Residence in Museum" for the year 2026. This unique initiative aims to provide a fertile environment for young, talented artists who have a passion for physical and performance-based art forms. Artists are invited to explore their creativity and expand their horizons through interactions within the museum's space and with various individuals.

Target Audience

The program welcomes artists who have a minimum of three years of experience in body expression or performance art, and who are either under 35 years of age or have been active for no more than 15 years.

Duration of Residence

The residency will run from September 2, 2026, until January 31, 2027, for a total of 15 days.

Application Period

Applications will be accepted from April 8 to April 30, 2026, with the deadline set for noon. Interested artists should refer to the application guidelines and the supplementary materials related to the Setagaya Art Museum before submitting their applications via the online form.

For more information and how to apply, please visit: Performance Residence in Museum.

Program Overview

The "Performance Residence in Museum" is designed as an artist-in-residence (AIR) program aimed at supporting young and emerging talent in the realm of body and performance arts. Through this initiative, we seek to enhance the artistic environment and activity fields for these artists, empowering them to pursue and express their artistic identities from diverse perspectives. Previous participants in this program have included notable artists such as composer and director Taishi Nuki, playwright and director Kana Fujiwara, dancer and choreographer Yu Wakuta, and screenwriter and director Aoba Murata.

Supporting Experimental Creations

The program specifically targets young artists who have demonstrated significant achievements in their practice. Applicants must be under 35 and have at least three years of experience or must have been engaged in their artistic endeavors for less than 15 years. The residency focuses on the themes of collaboration, community engagement, and embracing the notions of artistic "border-crossing" and "expansion" in their creative practices.

Importance of Dialogue and Experimentation

The residency places a strong emphasis on the interactions and dialogues made possible by the museum environment. Each artist's activities, from planning to research while in residence, will be supported by curators, program directors, and coordinators who offer their unique expertise. Additionally, opportunities for artists to engage in conversations with museum staff, visitors, and the local community will be provided, enriching the artists' experiences further.

Message from Program Director Akiko Yonehara

Akiko Yonehara, representing the NPO Art Network Japan, shared her thoughts: "Visiting the Setagaya Art Museum feels like stepping into a small city. It features not only exhibition halls and auditoriums but also gardens, squares, cafes, restaurants, and libraries. Here, a diverse range of individuals finds their favorite spots to relax. Although the museum wasn't explicitly created for residencies or performance creation, it's a space where everyone — from specialists to casual visitors — come together daily. The 'Performance Residence in Museum' emphasizes dialogue and collaborative learning, as we work closely with our resident artists to create distinctive projects only possible at Setagaya Art Museum. We hope that this will not only lead to completed works but also offer artists ample time to contemplate their unique artistic identity and expression through their engagement with the museum and the people they meet."

Message from Chief Curator Emi Yoshida

Emi Yoshida of the Setagaya Art Museum reflects on the museum's mission: "Founded in 1986 by architect Akizo Uchii, our museum embodies concepts such as ‘museum as a living space’, ‘open system’, and ‘park museum’. This vision gives us the freedom to create performance programs alongside our collection and exhibitions. Nestled in a vast park, our museum serves the community through a range of educational programs addressing various age groups and purposes, continuously welcoming numerous visitors. As a site that has accumulated experiences over 40 years and still thrives through interactions today, we aim to facilitate new forms of expression and creative thought for all who engage with us."

This residency initiative not only nurtures the next generation of artists but also enriches the cultural fabric of the community and contributes to the ongoing dialogue between art in performance and the audience. Artists interested in this remarkable opportunity are encouraged to apply and create an impactful artistic dialogue within the vibrant environment of the Setagaya Art Museum.