2026 Shiro Oni Studio Artist Residency Open Call

Associated Residency Program

Away from the congested urban life of Japan and surrounded by mountains in the small town of Onishi (ogre stone) in Gunma prefecture, artists can work free from outside distractions. Shiro Oni Studio was founded with the belief that while artists produce much of their work individually, the development of ideas going into that work benefits from a strong social network.

Nearly 300 artists have participated in the Shiro Oni Studio artist in residency program.  Groups of 9 artists spend 6 weeks in the town of Onishi (population 5000).  Full-time artists, grad students, and university professors come to focus on their work in an intimate environment, work with other artists, and to build relationships with the people of Onishi.

Each residency period is 6 weeks. We have four residency groups:

Group 1: Spring (Anagama): April 1st to May 13th

Group 2 : Early Summer: June 3rd to July 15th

Group 3: Late Summer: August 11 to September 22

Group 4: Fall (Anagama): October 13 to November 24

Our Spring and Fall Anagama Residency groups are reserved for artists working solely with clay*

We will begin interviews for 2026 applicants in August.

There is no application deadline
Residency Length
6 weeks
Languages
English
Other
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
9
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Architecture
Art Education
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Costume/Fashion Design
Dance
Digital Media
Documentary
Drawing
Electronic Arts
Environmental Arts
Film
Graphic Design
Illustration
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Literature
Music
New Genres
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Photography
Poetry
Public Art
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Social Practice
Sound Art
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
Residents granted leave during residency
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Donate a work of art
Give artist talk or presentation
Accessible Housing
Inaccessible
N/A
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Residents have access to shared kitchen
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Shared Studios
Exhibition / Installation Space
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Piano
Ceramics Workspace
Electric Wheels
Gas Kiln
Printers + Scanner
Easels
Dedicated Wood Shop
Woodworking Tools
Tablesaw
Bandsaw
Router Table
Wood Bending Equipment
Jointer
Planer
Wood Vises And Wood Working Table
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Additional Eligibility Information

Nearly 300 artists have participated in the Shiro Oni Studio artist in residency program.  Groups of 9 artists spend 6 weeks in the town of Onishi (population 5000).  Full-time artists, grad students, and university professors come to focus on their work in an intimate environment, work with other artists, and to build relationships with the people of Onishi.

Residency Requirements:

Age 25 and older
Speak English or Japanese
Ride a bicycle
Attend meetings
Participate in residency exhibition
Donate a piece of art to the residency (chosen by artist)

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
36
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
2750
US Dollar (USD)
Fee Details

In 2026 there is a participation fee of $2,750 USD* (*paid as 400,000 Japanese Yen)

Shiro Oni Studio Covers: a private bedroom and all building utilities, 24/7 access to a private studio space and our woodshop and ceramic facilities, residency arrival and departure transportation, translation support, bicycles, and flyer printing expenses.

Artists Cover: Travel expenses, food costs, and workshop fees.

Artwork materials: artists are responsible for their own materials. There is a storage room of free artist materials left from previous artists.  The storage room has things like paper, fabric, ink, tape and paint.  It’s also possible to source natural materials like bamboo from the surrounding mountains, or wood from lumber mills’ off-cuts.


 

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
Application Fee
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application