Overview
     7artscafe is proud to announce the Artist-in-Residency Grant Program, a special initiative supported by the Edeiken International Arts Foundation (EIAF). EIAF was established in 2021 by Dr. Nicole Edeiken, an American philanthropist with a deep passion for Japan and the arts. Throughout her career, Dr. Edeiken has been dedicated to supporting artists, driven by her belief in art's power to unite people.
     The Artist-in-Residency Program @7artscafe offers visual and musical artists from around the world a one-month residency at 7artscafe in Yokohama, Japan. It aims to promote global collaboration, enrich the local community, and celebrate cultural diversity through art.

Objectives
・Cultural Exchange: Foster meaningful interactions between local and international artists to exchange techniques, ideas, and cultural perspectives.
・Artistic Development: Offer a supportive environment where artists can experiment, create, and develop new works inspired by their time in Yokohama.
・Community Engagement: Engage the 7artscafe community in the artistic process, promoting collaboration and enriching Yokohama’s cultural landscape.

Eligibility Criteria
・Artistic Discipline: Open to visual and musical artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, musicians, and others working in these fields.
・Experience Level: Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience, regardless of whether they are emerging or established artists.
・Nationality: Open to artists who live or are based outside of Japan, with preference given to those whose work engages global themes or incorporates cross-cultural influences.
・Rotation: For the 2025 grant cycle, only visual artists are eligible. For the 2026 cycle, only musical artists may apply.

Application Process
Online Application: Complete the online form here, providing personal details, an artistic biography, and a statement of purpose outlining your interest in the program.

・Identification: A copy of official identification that includes a photograph, e.g., a passport or a driver’s license.
・Portfolio Submission: Visual artists should submit 3-5 high-quality images of recent work. Musical artists may submit 3-5 audio or visual recordings of their compositions, relevant to their practice. All submissions must include descriptions.
・References: Provide two professional references who can speak to your artistic abilities and potential for growth.
・Deadline: Submit your application by email to amatoj@7artscafe.jp no later than March 1, 2025.
・Announcement: The program winner will be announced on March 15, 2025.

Selection Criteria and Review Panel
・Artistic Merit: The quality, originality, and creativity of the artist’s work.
・Impact: The potential of the project to foster cultural exchange and community engagement in Yokohama.
・Feasibility: The clarity, practicality, and achievability of the proposed project during the residency.

・Review Panel: A diverse group of experts from both the arts and other fields will evaluate proposals based on innovation, impact, feasibility, and alignment with the program’s objectives. For the 2025-2026 grant, the review panel includes:
Dr. Nicole Edeiken, EIAF Board Director and Founder
Dr. Joseph Amato, Founder and Owner of 7artscafe
Scott Jeffries, Artist and Founder of Gallery OB in Lake Worth, FL
Minoru Inayoshi, Artist and Founder of nitehi works in Yokohama, Japan
Nana Obayashi, Artist and Design Director of 7artscafe

Residency Details
The residency must take place within the fiscal year, from April 2025 to March 2026, with dates agreed upon by both the artist and 7artscafe. Selected artists will receive a $10,000 stipend, which assists the following expenses:

・Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class ticket from the artist’s nearest international airport to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita).
・Shipping: Round-trip shipping costs for artworks and supplies (visual artists only).
・Housing: Comfortable accommodation in Yokohama for the duration of the one-month residency.
・Studio Space: Access to shared studio or performance spaces, with necessary tools and equipment.
・Living Expenses: A stipend to cover daily living costs during the residency.
・Local Mentorship: Connections to local artists and organizations to foster collaboration and cultural immersion.
Note: Any expenses beyond the stipend are the responsibility of the artist.

Program Activities
During their one-month residency in Yokohama, artists are expected to participate in activities agreed upon by both the artist and 7artscafe, including:
・Workshops: Lead 2-3 workshops that encourage skill-sharing and collaboration at 7artscafe during their residency.
・Exhibition or Performance: Present their work through a final exhibition or select performance at the end of their residency offering opportunities for public engagement and feedback.
・Artist’s Mid-Term Report: Artists must submit a mid-term report by the end of the third week, summarizing their experiences, artistic progress, and community interactions. This free-form report will help evaluate the residency’s impact on both the artist and the Yokohama community, contributing to future program improvements.

Payment Details
The grant will be disbursed in four installments: the first payment will cover international airfare, and the next two payments will be made during the artist’s stay in Yokohama, which can be used at the artist’s discretion for any approved expenses. The final payment will be issued upon submission of the artist’s mid-term report. EIAF reserves the right to withhold any payments if the artist fails to comply with the residency requirements and guidelines - see Appendix 1 Here.

Frequently Asked Questions: Appendix 2 Here

The 2025-2026 Application can be downloaded here.