Japan | Paradise Air Longstay Residency Programme 2025

1. Introduction

PARADISE AIR has held the LONGSTAY Program under various themes and with different application requirements. The 11th edition of the program is no different in that submission is open to all people of all nationalities working in the arts field.

The outcome of the residency can take tangible or intangible form. Applications are widely accepted not only from artists but also from curators, researchers and other practitioners in related fields. We also welcome applications not only from outside of Japan, but also those currently residing in Japan. The opencall has begun, please apply with your ideas by January 6th.

Reference information:
PARADISE AIR 10th Anniversary Archive Book “POWERS OF TEN”
The text part of English version is available free of charge
https://www.paradiseair.info/en/news/2024/09/06/25250/

2. Idea

There will be no theme for this year’s LONGSTAY Program.
Instead, the PARADISE AIR team would like to share an idea with you while holding this open call.
The idea is to view the program itself as a ship and together with the artist and the entire crew, to catch a glimpse of new horizons. Perhaps this will be found through the artist’s work, or it may be a destination that we reach together through the program.

We have been running an artist-in-residence (AIR) since 2013, building strong relationships with resident artists and people from the local community who have inspired us in how we run our incredible programs, which we are so proud to continue offering. Nevertheless when we think about further improving our residency programs, many things are off the table because of how we operate our AIR—we do not have full time staff; everybody gathers together while working other jobs; some staff members live far away and work remotely; and we are limited in studio space, equipment, and budget.

Through trial and error, we have been navigating these challenges in pursuit of our vision of paradise. A place where artists can enjoy their stay in Matsudo while fully immersing themselves in their work; where all members on board can provide meaningful support within the constraints of time; and where everyone works together towards a shared goal—such as holding an event—while respecting each person’s autonomy.

Having recently celebrated a milestone with PARADISE AIR’s 10th anniversary, we are excited to invite applications for the LONGSTAY Program from far and wide—and for the very first time, with no theme. As we embark on this new journey, we are seeking artists who are eager to join us through their stay in paradise.

Open Call Visual Design: Javed Ali (resident artist in 2024)
Translation: Haruka Ueda

3. Schedule

Opencall Schedule 
2024 Nov. 15 (Fri) Advance notice
Nov. 29 (Fri) Publication of how to apply
Opencall commences
2025 Jan. 6 (Mon)
24:00 [JST]
Opencall ends
Jan. – Mar. Selection period
Feb. 19 (Wed) Selected finalists will be contacted individually
Finalists will be required to submit a video letter explaining their plans and a copy of their passport. Once the selection process is complete, the videos will be posted on the PARADISE AIR website.
Mar. 4 (Tue)
Noon [JST]
(Finalists) Deadline for submitting video letter
Mar. 20 (Thur) Open Screening
Mar. 28 (Fri) Announcement of selected artists and notification sent

 

Residency Schedule 
2025 Apr. Prepare for travel
May – July Residence in Matsudo
A residency of at least 70 days and up to 90 days is possible during this period.
We are waiting for you with the room open!
May 12 (Mon) –
Jul. 31 (Thur)
Example of an 80-Day Stay
May 12 (Mon) Arrival at PARADISE AIR
May 25 (Sun) Opening Talk Event (Self-introduction)
*13 days after arrival
Jun. 14 (Sat) Proposed Date for ARTIST EXPLORATION 1
*33 days after arrival
Jun. 28 (Sat) Proposed Date for ARTIST EXPLORATION 2
*47 days after arrival
Jul. 19 (Sat) –
Jul. 21 (Mon/PH)
Proposed Dates for Output
Jul. 21 (Mon/PH) Reporting Talk Event for the Local Citizens
*70 days after arrival / 10 days before returning home
Jul. 29 (Tue) Feedback and Hearing Session with Staff
Jul. 31 (Thur) Returning Home
Other schedules Depends on Artist’s Plan

ARTIST EXPLORATION:
An event planned according to the interests of the resident artist (e.g., guest talks, workshops for their artwork, research trips). Optional participation.

4. Openings

Few artists (or artist groups)
* Artist groups or units can also apply. If selected, one room will be reserved for each artist group or unit.

5. Applicant Conditions

Applicants must meet the following conditions: 

  • Enjoy engaging in dialogue with the town
  • Currently living and working in the wider arts field, contributing to the contemporary creation of art  (“Contributing to the contemporary creation of art” is not only limited to artists pursuing research and creative activities, but also includes the research, lectures, or symposiums created by people working in relation to art)
  • Be willing and able to engage in genuine cultural exchange with other residence artists and local residents during the term of residency
  • Be in good physical and mental health
  • Have flexibility regarding program scheduling, rules, and administration
  • Be able to conduct everyday conversation in Japanese and/or English

6. Program Support Package

  • Accommodation (PARADISE AIR)
  • Transportation for one round trip from the artist’s place of residence to Matsudo (while transportation for artists living in Japan is not limited to one round trip, a maximum limit applies for total transportation costs)
  • Per diem: ¥3000 x number of days of residence, per group (cash)
  • Production costs: To be discussed (as it varies depending on the form and medium of expression)
  • Costs associated with equipment and transportation of artwork
  • Arrangement of venues for the presentation of work and coordination of events
  • Local support for daily life and production of work
  • Providing information about Matsudo
  • Costs associated with publicity

10. Contact

If you would like to make an inquiry, feel free to contact us at the email address below. Please note that we are unable to respond to any inquiries regarding the selection process.
Email: long@paradiseair.info

PARADISE AIR
Website: http://www.paradiseair.info
Address: Hamatomo bld., 15-4 Honcho, Matsudo City, Chiba, JAPAN 271-0091
Organized by PAIR
Supported by Matsudo City and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Fiscal Year 2024
Special supported by Hamatomo E.F.

We look forward to reading your applications!

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