Applications sought for the Kamiyama Artist-in-Residence Program 2010

The Kamiyama Artist-in-Residence Program, began in 1999 by local NPO Green Valley, is calling for applications for 2010. Located in Tokushima prefecture on the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands that make up Japan, Kamiyama (meaning "God's mountain") is certainly off the beaten track, but if it's peace and quiet you're looking for, you'd be coming to the right place.

Surrounded by mountains, the township has a long historical association with artistic practice. In it's glory days it was apparently a hotbed for puppet-making and even boasts an old theater that has been renovated and turned into a studio/exhibition space for participating artists. The people that run the program are all local volunteers and they are very keen to be of assistance.

Residencies are available for the period between August 17 and November 9, 2010, and the March 1, 2010 deadline for applications is still a comfortable several months away. 

Applications are sought from artists working in "painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, land art or other art making" and must, among other things, be able to communicate in either English or Japanese.

Both domestic and international travel expenses to and from Osaka Airport and Kamiyama are covered, and artists will be provided with a studio, accommodation, a materials allowance of up to 300,000 yen (about US$3,400) and a living allowance of 100,000 yen (around US$1,100) for the period. (Not to mention use of a car, motorbike or bicycle. Have they thought of everything or what?)

Apart from making work, the selected artists will be expected to give presentations and otherwise engage with the local community and provide a report at the end of their stay.

All the details and application guidelines and forms are right here.

This seems like a pretty good deal, but only three artists will be selected, so you better have a kick-ass application.

Oh and by the way, the studios and accommodations are available for rent when not in use during the program.