JOSHIBI AIR is a program that welcomes artists and creatives from both Japan and overseas to Joshibi University of Art and Design, supporting activities that lead to new creative avenues and research through the university's environment and interactions with faculty and students.
In 1900, when higher education institutions were not accessible to women in the field of art, Joshibi University of Art and Design was founded as a school that provides art education with the aims of “empowering the self-reliance of women through the arts,” “improving the social status of women,” and “producing women teachers in the arts.” Through over 120 years of history since its foundation, the school has produced talented individuals in the fields of art, design, and education.
The JOSHIBI AIR Invitation Program supports the research and creative activities of women artists during their residency. In addition, by fostering interactions between the resident artists and students, faculty, and staff, the program aims to deepen students' understanding of AIR, offer them opportunities to experience diverse forms of expression, and invigorate their education toward the development of international careers.
For the 2025 academic year, we will invite two artists to conduct research and production during the same period, one of whom will be selected from among Joshibi alumni, and the other from among graduates of our partner institutions and networks overseas. Additionally, the program for overseas artists will be conducted in collaboration with Japanese Painting, Department of Fine Arts at Joshibi.
Message from Japanese Painting, Department of Fine Arts
We are looking forward to meeting artists who are interested in the Earth!
Japanese painting has developed uniquely against the backdrop of Japan’s natural environment and culture. Its appeal lies in the rich visual expressions that reflect Japanese views of nature and spirituality, much like the many natural materials that have been carefully passed down through generations. When compared to global painting materials, those used in Japanese painting possess distinctive characteristics. In particular, natural mineral pigments, which utilize differences in particle size to express color, have been inherited for over a thousand years and have played an important role in the establishment of traditional Japanese painting techniques and expressions. The studios of Japanese Painting are equipped with advanced research facilities for the production of mineral pigments and large-format Japanese paper, making it possible to create original pigments from rocks or experience papermaking firsthand.
While engaging with the research into materials developed by the laboratory, we invite you to experience the deep connection between local materials and the expressions that arise from them.
For details, please refer to “Available Facilities” on Application Guidelines page 4 and this page.
Key Features of JOSHIBI AIR
- Centered on creation and research that draw on the unique identity of an “art university for women.”
- Utilizes the university’s expertise through collaboration with various majors and fields of research, the university museum, and historical archives.
- Provides opportunities for interaction with students, faculty staff, and community members, while sharing the creative processes and outcomes of activities to a wide audience.
Schedule
-Program Schedule: September 8 (Mon) - December 6 (Sat), 2025 (90 days)
-Application period: March 28 (Fri) - April 30 (Wed), 2025 *due NLT: April 30 at 11:59 p.m. (JST/UTC+9)
-First selection (documents): Early to mid-May 2025
*Results will be communicated to all participants of the first selection
-Second selection (online Interviews): Mid to late May
*Results will be communicated to all participants of the second selection.
-Announcement of Selected Artist: May 30 (Fri), 2025
*Individual inquiries regarding the selection process or results will not be accepted.
-Period of Open Studio (TBD): November 25 (Tue) - 28 (Fri), 2025
Number of Participants
1 Artist (or group)
Application Requirements
-The applicant should be a woman artist who is a graduate from one of our partner institutions (see Application Guidelines page 7, Appendix 1.)
-The applicant should have been working as an artist for approximately fifteen years or less and should currently be active within the field of contemporary art.
-The applicant should be enthusiastic about utilizing the Japanese Painting Research Laboratory and workshops to engage in the creation of artwork and materials such as natural mineral pigments and Japanese paper.
-The applicant should understand the purpose of the program and be able to stay for the entire invitation period.
-The applicant should be in good health and be capable of living and engaging in creative activities independently.
-The applicant should be able to communicate in English and actively engage with artists during the same period of stay, students, faculty, staff, and local community members.
-The applicant should be able to conduct at least one class, lecture, or workshop at both the Sagamihara and Suginami campuses during the invitation period (the content will be determined through consultation with the artist after selection has been confirmed).
-The applicant will present the results of her activities in an open studio. (Scheduled period(TBD): November 25 (Tue) to 28 (Fri), 2025). In addition, the artist is expected to take responsibility for the installation and removal of works for the open studio. (The details will be determined through consultation with the artist after selection has been confirmed.)
-The applicant shall cooperate with Joshibi in documenting and publicizing the works and activities during the production period through photographs and videos.
Program Provisions
-Apartment (20-30 minutes by bus from Joshibi University Art and Design)
Joshibi will provide an off-campus apartment (for single adults) for the duration of the stay. (Includes a kitchen, toilet, bathroom, bed, desk, chair, refrigerator, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, dishes, towels, linens, and other necessary items).
-Shared Studio (on Sagamihara Campus)
The artist will be required to share the studio with the graduate artist of Joshibi during the residency period. (20-30 minutes by bus from Sagami-Ono Station on the Odakyu Line)
-Grant for Production Expenses
100,000yen will be provided as a subsidy for production assistance, which covers research, materials, exhibition installation, etc.
Daily allowance 3,000 yen/day.
-Transportation Fee
Airfare: Joshibi will pay for one round trip from the international airport nearest the artist’s place of residence to Haneda or Narita Airport. Airfare should be economy class.
Travel expenses in Japan: A flat grant of 50,000 yen will be provided to subsidize transportation costs for travel within Japan.
*20.42% for overseas residents will be withheld as Income tax and Surtaxes for Reconstruction Funding for all.
-Support by Staff
The director and coordinator will be available for consultation regarding research and production.
-Available Facilities Other than Shared Studio
Historical Archive, Joshibi Art Museum, Library, Drawing center
Pigment Creation Factory
The Pigment Creation Factory is a facility that conducts extensive research on pigments, ranging from the production of natural mineral pigments to the development of synthetic mineral pigments.
-Creates pigments from stones, soil, and other natural materials.
-Produces various paints using natural pigments.
Papermaking Workshop
In the Papermaking Workshop, both Japanese and Western papers can be made by hand.
-Produces Japanese paper (washi) from raw materials.
-Creates paper mixed with various materials.
<Note on the Use of All Workshops>
-Material fees will be charged separately.
-Please be aware that there are various rules and regulations regarding the use of workshops, which may be hazardous. Use of the workshops must be explained in advance and is limited to the allotted time.
Note
-The artist is responsible for providing her own supplies for production and research.
-Regarding the disclosure of information about and documentation of activities and equipment in the Japanese Painting workshops, as well as the ownership of copyrights for the works, a separate memorandum will be exchanged at the start of the program between the two parties after mutual consultation.
-Applications from artist groups are also possible. However, in such cases, the grant for production expenses, daily allowance, and transportation fee will be provided for one person only. In addition, since the accommodation is a rented apartment for individuals, additional accommodation fees and other conditions will apply. Please consult with us in advance.
-The artist is responsible for cleaning the studio. Upon completion of production activities during the program, the studio must be returned to the university in its original condition.
-Production expenses, daily allowance, transportation fee, etc. will be paid in cash in Japanese yen in two installments, once in the first half of the program period and once in the second half.
-The cost of transportation of goods is the sole responsibility of the artist.
-A questionnaire must be submitted at the end of the program.
-The artist is invited to contribute to the program's archive of activities.
-The artist is responsible for any accidents, illnesses, or other unforeseen circumstances that may occur during her stay. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
How to Apply
Please send the following two documents to the e-mail address below, making sure they arrive no later than 11:59 p.m. (JST/UTC+9) on April 30 (Wed).
JOSHIBI AIR Office: joshibi-air[at]venus.joshibi.jp
Include “JOSHIBI AIR 2025 Application_Name” in the subject line
1) Application form
Personal Information, Career Summary, Portrait Photo, Artist statement, Plan for production and research during your stay, Ideas for educational program (within 200 words)
2) Digital Portfolio of Artworks (no more than 20 pages in PDF format, 10 MB or less)
Please download the application documents here:
- JOSHIBI AIR 2025 Application Guidelines (PDF)
- JOSHIBI AIR 2025 Application Form (PDF)
- JOSHIBI AIR 2025 Application Form (Word)
*You will be notified by e-mail when your application has been received. If you do not receive a notification within five days, please contact the JOSHIBI AIR office.
*Amendments to or replacements of the application form or digital portfolio will not be accepted after the application has been submitted.
*The materials submitted by the artist selected for this program should be available for
the organizer to use for publicity and advertising purposes in advance of the program.
Application Fee
Free
Selection Procedure
The committee will make an initial selection based on the submitted materials. Those who pass the first selection will be invited to an online interview, after which a final decision will be made. Applicants will be notified of the results via e-mail by May 30, 2025 (Fri).
Use of Personal Information
The personal information provided will be used solely for communication related to this application. The applicant’s personal information will not be used without consent for any purpose other than legitimate ones.
Inquiries
JOSHIBI AIR Office: joshibi-air[at]venus.joshibi.jp
FAQ
Q1. Is it possible to bring my partner or children?
A1: Yes, it is possible. However, please consult with us in advance as there will be additional conditions, such as having to pay for additional accommodation since the apartment will be rented for a single person. Round-trip airfare and domestic transportation subsidy will be provided for one person. Please also consult with us in advance regarding access to the shared studio and workshop.
Q2. What should I write as “Ideas for educational programs”?
A2. We expect you to give lectures in classes, plan workshops for students and local residents, and propose works involving student participation, but please feel free to write ideas for programs that can be implemented both inside and outside the university. We may also propose a program. The final decision on the content of the program will be made through mutual consultation between the two parties.
Q3. What level of skill is required for each workshop?
A3. Prior skills are not required for any of the workshops, but you will need to attend an introductory lecture before using them.
Q4. Is there a set schedule for using each workshop? A4. Since classes and other students will also be using the facilities, the schedule will be determined in consultation with the staff of Japanese Painting as required.
List of Partner institutions overseas
Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts（China）
Communication University of China（China）
Shanghai Jiao Tong University（China）
National Taiwan University of Arts (Taiwan)
Sungshin University (South Korea)
Sungkyunkwan University School of Art (South Korea)
Indonesia Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta（Indonesia）
Bandung Institute of Technology（Indonesia）
Bangkok University（Thailand）
Silpakorn University（Thailand）
Hanoi University of Arts and Design（Vietnam）
Loughborough University（U.K.）
Birmingham City University（U.K.）
Field of Culture and Creative Industries, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences（Finland）
Turku University of Applied Sciences（Finland）
University of Applied Arts Vienna（Austria）
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg（Germany）
Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera（Italy）
École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts de Paris-Cergy（France）
Paris College of Art (France)
University of West Bohemia（Czech）
OCAD University （Canada）
School of Visual Arts (SVA)（USA）
Queensland College of Art, Griffith University（Australia）