The Toyama City Institute of Glass Art (TIGA) is now accepting applications for its sought-after artist-in-residence program, set to take place October 19 to November 29, 2017. Each year, TIGA selects one artist of any glassmaking discipline to work and live for six weeks in Toyama, Japan, aptly dubbed “Glass Town”—a seaside city with a 400 year-old crafts tradition. TIGA’s artist-in-residence program was established in 2010 to invigorate the local community and promote Toyama’s rich cultural and arts heritage. Former artists-in-residence, selected from an international and diverse group of applicants, include Anna Mlasowsky (2011), Ethan Stern (2012), Ben Wright (2013), Pavlina Cambalova (2015), and Matthew Szösz (2016). The current faculty includes head professor Jin Hongo and associate professor Amy Rueffert.
During the six-week residency, the artist-in-residence will have access to the institute’s top-of-the-line facilities, including a hot shop, kiln shop, and cold shop. In addition to creating, the selected artist will be expected to participate in lectures and demonstrations, interacting with and enriching the campus community with his or her passion and experience. The resident artist will receive a solo exhibition showcasing his or her work from the six-week tenure.
According to the application materials, applicants should submit examples of past work and one letter of recommendation in addition to the application form and resume. Applications must be received by July 20, 2017 (Japan Time) by the Toyama City Institute of Glass Art Extension Program Executive Committee. Applications should be emailed with “AIR in Toyama 2017-Applicant’s name” as the subject line.
Visit the TIGA artist-in-residence Website for forms, email addresses, and further information on how to apply.