The Saison Foundation
The Saison Foundation is a grant-making foundation established in July 1987 that supports projects and activities related to contemporary Japanese theatre and dance. In order to increase the visibility of contemporary Japanese performing arts (theatre, dance, and performance art) on a worldwide level, The Saison Foundation awards grants and priority use of its rehearsal/workshop and residence facilities at Morishita Studio in Tokyo. The residence program aims to build an international network for contemporary performing arts and enhance mutual understanding and gives an opportunity for arts administrators to research the contemporary performing arts scene in Japan. The program supports research visits to Japan by artists and arts administrators i.e. producers, program directors, presenters and curators, who are expected to play an important role in the international performing arts scene and intend to carry out projects with contemporary theatre and dance communities in Japan. The program offers grants and guest rooms at Morishita Studio during the research visit. Additionally, The Foundation also launches an international project support program for medium to long-term artistic collaboration projects. This program offers grants and/or priority use of space at Morishita Studio in Tokyo (studios and guest rooms) for international theatre and dance collaboration projects with not-for-profit contemporary Japanese performing artists and/or companies, including creative workshops and rehearsals held during the working process.
Visiting Fellows 2023 Open Call
This program aims to build up an international network for contemporary performing arts and enhance mutual understanding and gives opportunities for artists and arts managers to research the contemporary performing arts scene in Japan. The program supports research visits to Japan for those who are expected to play an important role in the international performing arts scene.
Research Residency for Artists offers artistic development opportunities to research and spend time building links with artists and arts managers in Japan for artists who wish to create new works involving arts and culture in Japan and/or who wish to do collaboration projects with artists and arts managers in Japan. Fellows are able to conduct research with a base at Morishita Studio. The program is open to individual artists, i.e. playwrights, directors and choreographers,
a) who are based outside of Japan and wish to come to Japan as a visitor
b) who are able to communicate in English or Japanese
c) who are able to stay in Japan for more than 20 days up to 30 days between October 5 and
December 28, 2023, or between January 24 and February 29, 2024.
The main purpose of the visit has to be for researching arts and culture in Japan; therefore artists with the main purpose of presenting and/or promoting a specific piece of performance during residency are not eligible to apply. Groups of artists are not eligible to apply. An individual or organization in Japan planning to invite artists may also apply for the program, but it is necessary to gain consent from the invitee.
Fellows are expected to
a) hold a talk or give a presentation on their country’s art scene and their work
b) post 1-2 times a week on your social networking site regarding your visit and research in Japan during your stay
c) submit a report on the research visit
d) demonstrate the outcome of the research visit within one year after the visit, e.g. performing events, talk or publications written in any language except Japanese
There are 4 studios, varying between 77 and 240 square meter. Each studio is equipped with plywood flooring, mirrors and exercise bars, locker rooms, and also a small office with a direct-dial telephone. Other facilities within the building are lounge, restrooms and showers, pantries, and a pay copy and fax machine.
3 guest rooms, varying between 15 and 45 square meter. Each room has bath & toilet, kitchen, basic furniture including beddings. LAN Internet connections are also available with PC.
Located at the city centre and near Morishita subway station (a 5 minutes walk from the residency).