L-AIR General Incorporated Association
L-air Himeji Artist-in-Residence 2027
- Deadline
- 30 November 2026, 23:59 JST (Season 2)
- Application fee
- FREE
- For
- Artists, designers and creators of any discipline, individuals or duos; any nationality or background; no prior leather experience required
A two- to three-month residency in Takagi, Hanada-cho — a Himeji town known for its leather industry. Up to two artists per season across four seasons in 2027. Selected artists explore new forms of expression using leather, engaging with local craftspeople and residents; works made with the provided leather are donated to L-AIR's archive exhibitions.
Who can apply
- No restrictions on age, nationality or cultural background
- No prior leather experience required
- Must communicate in Japanese or English
- Must engage with local craftspeople and share the creative process publicly
What you get
- Production grant up to JPY 150,000/month (international) or JPY 250,000/month (Japanese artists)
- Free accommodation at the residency building
- Free open studio access + leather and production materials
- Reimbursement for one round-trip journey (receipt-based, after arrival)
- Staff support as bridge to the local community
Season deadlines (rolling)
- Season 1 (Jan 4 – Mar 28 2027): closed 30 September 2026
- Season 2 (Apr 1 – Jun 27 2027): 30 November 2026
- Season 3 (Jul 1 – Sep 26 2027): 1 March 2027
- Season 4 (Oct 1 – Dec 19 2027): 31 May 2027