About Project ZEN AIR EIHEIJI 2024
Project Name.
ZEN AIR – Artist In Residence EIHEIJI
Eiheiji Abbreviation: ZEN AIR EIHEIJI
Katakana abbreviation: ゼン・エアー 永平寺
Purpose of the Program
Eiheiji Town in Fukui Prefecture, home to Eiheiji, the head temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism, is known as the “village of Zen.” This project will provide artists and other art professionals (hereinafter, “artists”) the opportunity to experience Zen culture, conduct research on Zen and the region, and engage in creation and research while engaging with local residents.
The artists will be asked to communicate the results of their work and research through these activities. As such, this program is intended to support artists, and at the same time, to draw out the spirit and culture of Zen that live on in the town from an artist’s perspective, thereby encouraging a sense of attachment to the region and interest in art and culture, and fostering a variety of connections, both among people and between people and culture.
Features of the Program
■ Two types of courses:
The residency program offers two courses, the Production Course and the Research Course. Artists in residence may choose either course.
■ Zen experience and Zen culture research
Artists in residence will participate in a one-night stay “sanro” program and experience Zen meditation at Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple to deepen their understanding of Zen and will also have the opportunity to learn from the historical buildings and cultural assets related to Zen and Buddhism located within the temple’s grounds.
■ Provision of housing and studio space
The program provides a vacant house in town for use as an accommodation and a studio.
■ Support during residence
During their residency, the program will support the artists’ research on Zen culture and the region, exchanges with local residents, production activities, and opportunities to present their work.
■ Presentation of the results of activities
Artists are required to present the results of their activities in the form of a presentation or exhibition during their residency.
Application guidelines
Artists wishing to enter should visit the application page and apply.
Click here for the application guidelines for ZEN AIR – Artist In Residence EIHEIJI in 2024.
Residency/production facilities
The residencies of ZEN AIR – Artist In Residence EIHEIJI in 2024 are listed here.
■ [Reference] Activities in 2023.
In 2023, the Secretariat conducted a first and second screening of 67 applicants. The jury selected two artists suitable for ZEN AIR based on their connection to Zen and Eiheiji, their potential to have a ripple effect on the region, and their use of local resources.
The artists stayed in Eiheiji Town from September to December 2023 and conducted research, workshops and presented exhibitions.
Plans for 2024
End of August – Artists go to Eiheiji town.
Research the region while living in designated residences (accommodation).
September Research, production activities and workshops held.
October Research, production activities and workshops held.
November: Presentations of production (presentations of results, etc. are planned from 8 (Fri) to 25 (Mon) November).
The artists will stay between Monday 26 August and Tuesday 26 November 2024 for a minimum of 60 days and a maximum of 90 days.
ZEN AIR Director (programme supervisor)
Kenji Kubota
Organised by.
Constituent Organisation:
Fukui Chamber of Commerce and Industry @fcci_official
Eiheiji Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry @eiheijicho_shokokai
Eiheiji Tourism and Products Association @zentabi_eiheiji_town
Mitsuya Corporation http://www.e-mitsuya.jp/
Fukui Tourism Federation @fukuikankou
Eiheiji Town
Fukui Prefecture
SNS
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zenaireiheiji/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zenaireiheiji
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ZENAIREIHEIJI
Contact
Fukui Arts Centre and Residence Project Executive Committee
5F, 3-17-1 Ote, Fukui-shi, Fukui 910-8580, Japan
TEL：+81-776-20-0582 (weekdays 9am-5pm only)
FAX：+81-776-20-0661
E-mail：info@zen-air.org
website：https://zen-air.org/
ZEN AIR EIHEIJI（ゼン・エアー 永平寺） 