Application Period: July 1st - September 1st
Away from the congested urban life of Japan and surrounded by mountains in the small town of Onishi 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.
Each residency period consists of groups of 9 artists, living and working in Onishi for 6 weeks. A group exhibition will take place the final weekend of the residency. Our Spring and Fall groups are reserved for artists working solely with clay, centered around firing our anagama kiln. Artists of all disciplines (including clay) are welcome to apply for our Early Summer and Later Summer groups. Please email shiroonistaff@gmail.com if you have any questions. More information on cost, facilities, workshops, and accommodations can be found on our website: https://shirooni.com
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application 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.
We will be accepting applications for 2027 from July 1st to September 1st. To apply, please fill out our Application Form.
ARTIST OPEN CALL FOR 2027 SEASON
Application Period: July 1st – September 1st, 2026
- Fill out the application form
- First round of interviews will begin in September
- Acceptance letters will be sent by December
Cost: 450,000 Japanese Yen
Residency period: 6 weeks
Shiro Oni Studio Covers: a private bedroom and all building utilities, 24/7 access to a private studio space, woodshop, and ceramic facilities, translation support, bicycles, exhibition and flyer printing expenses.
Artists Cover: Travel expenses, food costs, and certain 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. Our ceramic facilities have a range of clays and glazes available to use/purchase.