About Us
At the heart of EIAF’s mission is its Artist-in-Residence Grant Program @7artscafe, which offers international artists the resources and space to develop their work while engaging with local communities in Yokohama, Japan. This program promotes creativity, collaboration across disciplines, and cross-cultural exchange, strengthening global connections and mutual understanding.
EIAF also champions Community Arts Projects, such as public art installations, workshops, and performances, which inspire local populations and promote social cohesion. These initiatives enrich communities, foster shared identity, and empower residents through active participation in the arts.
Another key focus is Community Revitalization Projects, which use the arts to rejuvenate underdeveloped areas, turning them into vibrant cultural hubs. These projects not only beautify spaces but also stimulate local economies and foster pride within communities.
Additionally, EIAF supports arts-related charitable projects, providing access to the arts for underserved communities and individuals, and offering educational outreach and support to artists facing economic challenges.
Through its diverse initiatives, EIAF is building a more connected, creative, and inclusive global society by leveraging the arts as a powerful tool for cultural exchange, community building, and social change.
Our foundation has supported these amazing organizations.
・Boca Raton Regional Hospital
・Boca Museum of Art
・Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
・Friends of the Uffizi Gallery
・7artscafe "Community Arts Project"
General Inquiries:
Edeiken International Arts Foundation
Dr. Nicole Edeiken, Director
Boca Highlands, FL 33487 USA
Managed and Administered by 7artscafe, Yokohama JAPAN
info@7artscafe.jp
On behalf of the Edeiken International Artist Foundation (EIAF) panel, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the artists who applied for the inaugural 2025-2026 Artist-in-Residence (AiR) Program at 7artscafe. The overwhelming response—filled with creativity, vision, and passion—has been truly inspiring. It is both an honor and a privilege to witness such a diverse array of artistic voices eager to be part of this residency.
After much deliberation, we are thrilled to announce that the recipient of the EIAF 2025-2026 AiR Program at 7artscafe is Stefan Zsaitsits for his project, "The Drawing Cafe."
His proposal beautifully aligns with the core mission of 7artscafe—fostering artistic expression, cultural exchange, and community engagement. "The Drawing Cafe" envisions an interactive, ever-evolving creative space, inviting visitors to take part in spontaneous artistic dialogue much like the historic Viennese coffee houses and the dynamic cultural exchange of Yokohama’s port heritage.
We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to bringing this vision to life. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to welcome Stefan to 7artscafe!
His proposal stood out for several key reasons:
1. Embracing the Spirit of Creative Exchange
By inviting visitors and artists to engage in spontaneous, unrestricted drawing, "The Drawing Cafe" mirrors the intellectual and artistic dialogues that have historically flourished in coffee houses and port cities. This project taps into 7artscafe’s unique energy, fostering artistic conversations that transcend language and cultural barriers.
2. Art That Is Inclusive and Accessible
No specialized skills or training are required—only a willingness to participate. By eliminating barriers to artistic expression and making materials freely available, "The Drawing Cafe" welcomes guests from all backgrounds, reinforcing our belief that creativity should be open to all.
3. A Living, Evolving Exhibition
The ongoing display of guest-created drawings forms an organic, ever-changing visual narrative that embodies the essence of collaboration. This dynamic installation ensures that every visitor contributes to a collective artistic story, making 7artscafe not just a venue but a shared creative experience.
4. Community Engagement Beyond the Residency
The planned drawing exchange—where guest submissions are entered into a raffle—ensures that the project’s impact extends beyond its duration. Additionally, the inclusion of local artists through donated works or collaborative workshops cements "The Drawing Cafe" as a space for long-term artistic dialogue within the community.
5. An Interactive, Evolving Workshop Model
Instead of structured workshops, the artist’s presence at a communal table fosters organic interactions, creating a welcoming space for discussion and participation. The flexibility of incorporating guest artists—such as manga illustrators or sumi-e practitioners—makes the project adaptable and appealing to a broad audience.
6. A Perfect Match for 7artscafe’s Vision
At its core, 7artscafe is a meeting place for ideas, creativity, and cultural exchange—values that "The Drawing Cafe" embodies seamlessly. This project not only enhances the cafe’s artistic atmosphere but also strengthens its role as a cultural landmark where people come together to share, create, and be inspired.
Stefan Zsaitsits’ "The Drawing Cafe" will further enrich 7artscafe’s role as a creative hub—deepening engagement, sparking new artistic dialogues, and continuing to transform the space into a dynamic ecosystem of imagination and collaboration.
See Stefan Zsaitsits’ "The Drawing Cafe Project Proposal Here
Artist-in-Residence Grant Program @7artscafe
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED.
Overview
7artscafe is proud to announce the Artist-in-Residence 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-Residence 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.
・Residency Structure: The program is designed for one individual artist only per residency period. We are unable to accommodate two applicants or collaborative applications, as the residency is intended to provide space and resources for a single artist to focus on their creative work independently.
・Rotation: For this 2025 grant cycle (April 2025-March 2026), only visual artists are eligible.
For the 2026 cycle (April 2026-March 2027), only musical artists may apply. (The application process for this will begin January 1, 2026. Please apply during this cycle.)
Application Process
This is now closed.
・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 17:00pm JST. IT IS NOW CLOSED.
・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
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.