Three weeks where the
work and the tide turn together.
An international studio residency on the salt coast of the Seto Inland Sea — a small group of artists, living and working side by side.
Making meaningful work, together.
The Salt Road Studio Residency is a three-week international artist residency based in Ako, Japan. Designed to foster artistic growth, cultural exchange, and creative collaboration, the program brings together a small group of artists from around the world to live and work together in a shared creative environment.
The residency is rooted in the belief that meaningful artistic growth comes from engaging with new places, cultures, and perspectives. Our goal is to foster global artistic exchange while creating space for focused studio practice, collaboration, and the development of new work.
We are seeking curious, committed artists who are excited to immerse themselves in a new environment, connect with fellow creatives, and spend three weeks making meaningful work together.
Round-trip airfare
Travel to and from Japan, arranged for each selected artist.
Shared lodging
Communal accommodations for the full three weeks of the residency.
Studio & workspace
A dedicated studio and workspace to develop new work.
Living-cost grant
$1,000 USD (approx. ¥150,000) to help offset food, local transportation, and personal expenses during your stay. This grant supports your own subsistence as a visiting artist; it is not a fee, salary, or payment for work.
Travel & entry
Artists attend as short-term visitors and are responsible for confirming their own entry requirements for Japan. The three-week program falls within the standard short-stay period.
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to enter visa-free, or you may need to apply for a short-stay (Temporary Visitor) visa at a Japanese consulate. The residency does not sponsor work or long-term visas.
Apply to the residency.
Three weeks in Ako, June 2027.
A $25 non-refundable application fee helps cover the cost of reviewing submissions. The residency itself is fully funded — airfare, lodging, studio, and a living-cost grant are all provided to selected artists.