Creator-in-Residence 2025
Creator-in-Residence 2025
Open call for participating creators（Deadline: 10 March 2025）
Application Guidelines
Residency Period：August to October 2025 (flexible within this period; minimum 28 days, maximum 60 days)
Activity Base：Akita City Cultural Creation Center and other locations
Number of Openings：1–2 groups (includes applicants from abroad and overseas residents)
Description
The Akita City Cultural Creation Center is a facility dedicated to supporting citizens’ creative activities and hosts an annual “Creator-in-Residence” program. Through the residency of creators, the program provides opportunities for citizens to take on new forms of expression.
Amid the numerous residency programs conducted worldwide, the Cultural Creation Center invited artist and residency coordinator Mizutama (artist and representative of FIGYA) as a guest to reevaluate the significance and unique features of the center’s residency initiatives. Mizutama observed that one of the center’s standout characteristics is its central location within the city, attracting a diverse range of visitors—people of all ages and backgrounds with a desire to “create something.” He also noted that the potential of the center’s residency program lies in exploring how these visitors can connect and collaborate with creators.
The Cultural Creation Center aspires to remain a vessel that embraces limitless possibilities—fearlessly adapting to change and continually challenging new horizons. In this spirit, we are now seeking creators who will engage with the region’s culture and people, collaborating and creating alongside them. To support residents’ activities, we will tailor assistance to their needs, including introducing them to local experts and businesses and forming dedicated support teams.
・Those who wish to accomplish something that cannot be done alone.
・Those who want to enjoy the process rather than focusing solely on the results.
・Those who are interested in Akita’s culture and want to engage with it.
・Those who want to immerse themselves in a different environment to create something new.
・Those who wish to explore activities that can expand into the heart of the city.
・Those who feel like becoming part of the Cultural Creation Center’s staff and engaging with visitors.
・Those who want to encourage citizens eager to try something new.
・Those who simply want to take on a challenge.
Don’t miss this opportunity to apply!
Eligibility Requirements
・No restrictions on nationality, gender, residence, age, or whether applying as an individual or group
・Open to all activity genres and experience levels
・Must be able to visit the center for a preliminary inspection (domestic applicants only)
・Able to live, create, and conduct research independently during the program period
・Willing to share activity records with the organizers
・Basic Japanese communication required (limited English proficiency is acceptable)
・Must comply with organizer rules and facility usage regulations
Selection Process and Schedule
・Application Period：January 10, 2025 (Friday) to March 10, 2025 (Monday) 18:00 JST
(Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for any reason.)
・Selection Method：Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Finalists may be invited for an online interview (scheduled for mid-March).
・Results Announcement：By the end of March 2025, results will be announced on the official website.
Judges
Aokid (Dancer/Artist)
Mizutama (Artist, FIGYA Representative)
Min Nishihara (Director, Akita City Cultural Creation Center)
Selection Criteria
・Does the applicant’s activity have meaningful potential for collaboration with others?
・Do they demonstrate a willingness to take on challenges?
・Can they create plans or opportunities for active engagement with Akita City residents and visitors?
・Can their activities expand beyond the center and into the surrounding area?
Residency Mentor
Mizutama (2024 Resident Artist)
An experienced participant in the residency program and art space management, offering consultations on stay-related matters.
Support Provided
１.Travel Expenses：Up to ¥70,000 (negotiable for international participants; multiple trips to Akita may be supported)
２.Accommodation：Housing and support within Akita City during the residency
３.Facility and Equipment Use：Cultural Creation Center facilities for creation, presentation, or event hosting
４.Activity Support Grant: ¥300,000
Provided post-activity; partial advance payments available upon request
５.Preliminary Visit Expenses：Travel costs for a 2-night, 3-day visit (domestic travel only)
６.Information and Networking：Support in connecting with local experts, organizations, and resources
７.Documentation and Promotion：Assistance with recording, promoting, and reporting activities during events
８.Invitation Letter：Issued by the Cultural Creation Center
Note: For group applications, funding for travel, accommodations, and creation is limited to one member per group.
Application Process
Fill out the Application Form and submit the following via email
1) Resume/CV (up to 5 pages)
2) Profile Photo
Optional Documents (if available)
・Supporting materials detailing your interests and previous activities (format is flexible)
・Specific activity plans (concept images or proposals; format is flexible)
・Self-promotion materials (videos recommended)
Email:program@akitacc.jp
Submission Guidelines
・Subject：【Application】Creator-in-Residence 2025 (Applicant Name or Group Name)
・Videos should be uploaded to YouTube and shared via a link.
・Large files should be compressed or shared via Google Drive.
Precautions
・The copyright of works created during the program belongs to the resident.
・The organizers may use records of the process or results for promotional purposes.
・Expenses exceeding the provided support must be covered by the resident (e.g., shipping or disposal costs for restoring spaces to their original state).
・Personal data will be used solely for the purposes of this application and will not be used for other purposes.
・Residents are responsible for any accidents or illnesses during the residency and are encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
・Compliance with organizer rules and facility regulations is required. Violation may result in contract termination.
About the Akita City Cultural Creation Center
Opened on March 21, 2021, the center was established by renovating the former Prefectural Art Museum. Located in the heart of Akita City, a 10-minute walk from Akita Station, the center serves as a hub for new activities, aiming to create new attractions and vibrancy in the city. In 2024, the center recorded over 1,000 usage cases, showcasing its diverse users and activities.
Organizer / Contact
Akita Arts Center Akita (administration: NPO Arts Center Akita)
Phone: (+81) 018-893-5656 | Fax: (+81) 018-893-5659
E-mail program@akitacc.jp
