Critics-in-Residence Programme @Kyoto Experiment 2024

Kyoto Experiment is a performing arts festival held in Kyoto since 2010. Dedicated to producing and presenting experimental performing arts—both from Japan and overseas—the festival aims to explore and create new dialogues and values in society. Featuring experimental works that move freely between genres such as theater, dance, music and fine art, the festival hopes to open up new possibilities through the creations, experiences, and ideas that emerge from such a diverse combination.

With the aim, to reflect and foster the potential of art- and cultural critique, they are planning to host a maximum number of eight critics from EU member states for a residency in Kyoto during the entire festival period of Kyoto Experiment (dates: Oct 5th-27th). Participants are invited to contribute with their expertise and experience to creating a space for exchange and reflection about the role of critique in nurturing the environment art and cultural production and in facilitating the role of art and culture in current societies. Together with the residents from the EU, their partner The Saison Foundation will host a Japanese critic to join the dialogue and address the situation of the art scene in Japan. During the festival period, there will be multiple events in different formats involving the residents, such as public discussions, panel talks, workshops etc.

The call is open to cultural journalists, preferably with a focus on performing arts, including arts writers, critics, theoreticians working for any kind of media and support, e.g. (online) magazines, newspapers, radios, televisions, new media platforms etc. Eligibility requirements:

• A minimum of three years’ experience in art/cultural critique and ongoing professional activity
• Good level of spoken and written English
• Citizens of the 27 EU member states or persons having a permanent residency in one of the 27 EU member states

The residency covers:

• Round trip flight from Europe to Japan
• Travel expenses for the transfer from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto (round trip)
• Accommodation in Kyoto during the residency period from Oct 5 to Oct 28
• A lump sum of 150,000 Yen to cover living expenses during the residency
• Tickets for the entire programmes of Kyoto Experiment
• Platforms for exchange and debate during the festival period, access to the professional network of Japanese and international art and cultural practitioners affiliated to Kyoto Experiment
• Support in getting to know the local art scene

The critics-in-residence programme will take place in October 2024. The duration of the residency is fixed and is not subject to change. Arrival in Kyoto is scheduled for October 5th, departure from Japan for October 28th.

Expected Outcome:

• Participation in public and semi-public discussions and exchange sessions during the festival. The framework will be discussed in advance with the participants after the residents have been determined.
• A written article in English language on a subject connected to the resident’s stay in Kyoto and their impressions of the local art environment, to be published on Kyoto Experiment’s website.

To apply please submit the following documents to [email protected] by May 20th, 2024, (23:59 CET):

• Filled-out application form
• Current resume
• Three samples of your previous works in the field of art critique/cultural critique (written content, radio, video et al.) in English or any of the EU languages.
• Please put the subject line as “Critics-in-Residence” when you submit your application. Work samples that exceed the file size of Gmail (or other email) attachments should be submitted by a file sharing system referencing the same email address.