Navigating the Beginnings of an Art Residency as an Amateur

Artist painting on canvas

What I’m about to share is a blend of researched information and my personal experience applying for an art residency. So yes, I’m fairly new at this too! Below, you’ll find some handy tips I stumbled upon during my first (and successful!) residency application for an art centre in Japan.

What is an Art Residency?

An art residency is like having a placement at an art centre. These centres usually consist of studio workspaces, presentation or meeting rooms, and sometimes accommodation (though not all offer this, so always check!). Each residency is unique and requires different types of proposals and applications.

Some places specify a time period for your residency, often leading to a group exhibition. Others, like the one I’m set for next year, focus on solo projects and depend on availability. The idea is to choose a time frame to work on your self-directed art project. You might have the chance to exhibit alongside fellow residents in a group show or showcase your work solo. Some residencies also offer workshops and facilitators, focusing on specific art genres and culminating in a group exhibition. Requirements can include community engagement, cultural inclusion, and even artist talks or workshops.

What Do You Want from Your Residency?

Whatever the case, it’s crucial to decide what you want to gain from a residency. For me, it was about having the time and space to work on a self-directed project and produce my own small exhibition. And it had to be in Japan! Why? After several visits, I became intrigued and humbled by their culture, land, and stories. I have a passion for folktale stories, which is my main focus in art. Japan boasts some of the most unique and artistic folklore stories in the world.

Taking the Leap

I’ve wanted to do an art residency for quite some time. Finally, I built up the courage to approach an art residency in Sapporo, located on the northern island of Hokkaido. I was travelling there with my partner and had previously researched this place online. I connected with one of the current international residents via LinkedIn and asked a bunch of questions. We then made our way there while staying in Sapporo and met my LinkedIn friend in person. He showed us his exhibition and introduced me to the directors. My Japanese is so-so, but thankfully they all spoke English as well. They recommended I apply through their website.

Proposal Example

Crafting Your Proposal

So, I started right away on putting my proposal together. If you'd like a template of my proposal setup, just get in touch! I’ll be uploading a link here soon. I used Canva (no affiliation) because it’s easy to view and edit. The document design templates are handy, which is one less thing to worry about for something like this. Here’s a breakdown of what I included in my proposal:

Title: Project Outline

Abstract	What my project is based on, what influenced this project
Introduction	A little about me, and my background as an artist
Proposal	How I intend to create this project and how it will include Japanese culture.
Objectives	A dot list point of objectives
Interviews/References	A list of authors and people I could potentially receive research answers from
Influences	Cultural influences that will be referenced
Workshops/Talks	Ideas on workshops and talks I could give
Project Roadmap	- Phase 1: Discovery - Phase 2: Design - Phase 3: Development - Phase 4: Exhibition Includes timeline, objectives, activities and deliverables.
Further Considerations	Potential challenges and roadblocks (sourcing materials, language barriers, cultural considerations etc)
Brainstorming	Ideas about the materials and mediums I would like to use
Logistics	- Funding - Marketing - Travel Documentation
Information	My contact details

I also included plenty of images of my artwork to showcase my style and content.

Translation Matters

After completing my proposal, I duplicated it and translated the document into Japanese. I’m still unsure how well I did, but I sent both documents just in case. I recommend having someone review your translation if possible. I used a Japanese translation website (don’t just rely on Google Translate – it can sometimes miss the context and make conversations confusing!). If in doubt, most art residencies have English speakers due to their international programs.

Budgeting for Your Project

You might notice I didn’t include a budget in my proposal, as it wasn’t necessary for this residency. However, having one for personal reference is wise. Being financially prepared is crucial for your project and travel expenses.

Looking Ahead

As I discover more along this residency path, I’ll continue to share my experiences and tips. I'm genuinely excited to see what this journey brings and where I can go next!

If you're curious about the world of art residencies, I encourage you to explore your own connections to these tales. After all, every artist has a story to tell, and who knows what you might uncover along the way?