Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs Updated March 2024

1) What are the Hayama Artist Residency dates and who can apply?

The 2025 residency dates are June 1 - 30, 2025. Any visual artist over 21 years old, working in any medium—based anywhere in the world, regardless of race, gender, culture, or religion—is eligible to apply. The application deadline is September 30, 2024. We can only accept applications in English at this time. It is our goal to offer applications in other languages in the future.

2) Am I required to make art during the residency?

No. You are not required to make art during the residency. You can use the time in the best way that you see fit. We recommend rest, research, and reflection.

3) Are my flight and accommodations really paid for?

Yes. If you are selected for the residency, you will receive a roundtrip flight to Narita International Airport (Narita) or Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), and shared accommodations for 4 weeks. Each artist-in-residence will receive a weekly allotment of $200 USD for meals and local transportation. Residents stay in their own private bedroom at Hôtel ami hayama. Click here for a video tour of the overall space.

4) Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a $95.00 USD application fee for first-time applicants. The application fee is waived for 2nd time applicants.

5) How are artists selected for the residency?

Applications are reviewed by our director and Selection Committee - a cohort of international curators and arts professionals.

6) When will I hear back? What is the decision-making timeline?

The application deadline is September 30, 2024. Artists who apply for the residency will be informed of our decisions by December 15, 2024.

7) What kind of work can I submit with my application?

You may submit up to 10 total samples of any combination of jpegs, audio or video. Audio or video submissions should not exceed 10 minutes in length. The maximum file size limit for any individual work submission is 400mb. Your TOTAL submission with your application cannot not exceed 800mb.

8) Can I submit links to my videos or audio files?

Yes, you can provide up to 10 links on a one-page PDF uploaded in the media section of your application. Please be sure to provide passwords if needed. Video or audio submissions should not exceed 10 minutes in length. If links are password protected, be sure to include login information in the description field.

9) What happens if I’m not selected this year?

All application fees for the 2025 residency are transferable to the following year. In other words, if you are not awarded the residency this time around and decide to apply again next year, your 2nd application fee will be waived. We believe this is a fair and equitable approach to the application process. This 2nd year application fee waiver applies to first-time applicants only. Please note that applicants returning for the 2nd time will still be required to submit a new application for the residency, but there will be no fee.

10) Can you help with my travel visa?

Unfortunately, no. We are not able to answer any legal or immigration questions. It is highly recommended that you find out the travel visa requirements between your country and Japan before you apply. Fees related to visa processes or passport acquisition are the responsibility of the awarded artist.

11) Can my partner, spouse, children, or family come with me to the residency?

Unfortunately, no. Hayama Artist Residency is intended for individual artists.

12) What else does Hayama Artist Residency provide?

Each artist selected for the 2025 residency will be provided a private bedroom within shared living accommodations. Each resident will receive a weekly allotment of $200 USD for meals and local transportation. Hayama Artist Residency does not provide art materials. We also do not provide personal electronics, including cell phones.

13) What's the weather like in Hayama?

The average temperature in Hayama in June for a typical day ranges from a high of 76°F (25°C) and a low of 66°F (19°C). A local beach is within walking distance from your accommodations, so please bring appropriate clothing if you plan to visit the beach. If you forget to pack any essential clothing or personal care items, don’t worry, there are several nearby shops where you can purchase things you may need during your stay.

14) May I smoke?

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

15) Can I bring my pet with me?

Unfortunately, no. Accommodations at Hayama Artist Residency is shared, and pets are not allowed. If you are selected for the residency and have a condition that requires the aid of a service animal, please let us know.

16) Do I need to buy my own food?

Yes. Residents are expected to purchase or prepare their own meals during their stay. There are several nearby supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes that offer a wide variety of food options. Each resident will receive a weekly allotment of $200 USD for meals and local transportation.

17) What is your drug and alcohol policy?

It is the policy of Hayama Artist Residency to be a drug-free environment. We also ask that residents consume alcohol responsibly.

18) Does Hayama Artist Residency provide transportation?

Our residency staff will meet you at the airport and bring you to your accommodations in Hayama. We will help you with arrival and departure logistics. We will also help you navigate local destinations, buses and trains. We do not provide you with a personal vehicle during the residency.

19) Can I edit my application after it has been submitted?

Unfortunately, no. Applications cannot be edited once they are submitted.

20) What if the residency schedule is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Currently, there are no travel restrictions to Japan related to COVID-19. If the dates of the residency have to be rescheduled in any way, we will inform all applicants.

21) What if I have technical problems with the Submittable application?

All technical questions should be emailed to support@submittable.

22) May I submit my application and supplementary materials by regular mail?

Unfortunately, no. All applications must be submitted via Submittable.

23) Statement of non-discrimination:

Hayama Artist Residency is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical ability or disability. Hayama Artist Residency will not tolerate any behavior that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Our aim is to create a vibrant and safe creative sanctuary, and we strive to provide an environment that accommodates artists from a multiplicity of backgrounds and circumstances. Violation of our policies or local laws may result in expulsion from the residency and termination of your stay.