OPEN CALL: Bioart Artist-in-Residence

The Finnish Institute in Japan, the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland, and the National University Corporation Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, are launching a new artist-in-residence collaboration. The residency focuses broadly on bioart and artistic practices exploring the intersections of art, science, technology, and living systems.

The collaboration will enable an artist or researcher from the University of Lapland to spend 1–3 months working at Kyushu University every other year. In alternate years, an artist or researcher from Kyushu University will spend 1–3 months working at the University of Lapland.

Application Criteria and Conditions

In the first year, 2027, the call is open to doctoral researchers, members of the teaching and research staff, and alumni affiliated with the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland.

The application period is from October 1 to October 21, 2026. Decisions will be announced by November 30, 2026.

Applicants may apply for a 1–3-month residency in Fukuoka between March 1 and May 31, 2027, according to their preferred timing.

Please include the following documents in your application:

1. Artistic research CV following the TENK template (2–4 pages).
2. Research/working plan (maximum 2 pages), including:
   • Project title
   • Preferred length and dates of the residency
   • Working plan and timetable
   • Material needs and estimated costs
   • Other specific needs
   • A brief description of at least one public presentation, exhibition, or workshop to be organised during the residency
   • A brief introduction to your previous research related to the theme, including relevant publications or articles
     
3. Ethical considerations related to the project (1 page).
4. Portfolio presenting a maximum of five works of art and/or research.

Note that in March 2027, the conference The Politics of the Machines – Distributed International Research and Art Platform in Fukuoka (POM) will take place in Fukuoka. More information: POM Conference. If you are interested in presenting your work at the conference, please include a short abstract outlining your proposed contribution (e.g. spoken paper, poster, or workshop) in your work plan.

Financial support

The Finnish Institute in Japan will support the residency accordingly:

• Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Japan, using the most economical available option.
• Local transportation between the airport and the artist’s home/residency accommodation, using the most economical available option.
• Residency accommodation for the duration of the stay.
• Material costs according to a separately agreed plan.

The residency artist is responsible for their living expenses and travel insurance.

Facilities

Explore the facilities and resources available at Bio Food Lab of the Kyushu University:

https://www.biofood.design.kyushu-u.ac.jp

https://www.biofood.design.kyushu-u.ac.jp/equipments

The accommodation will be in an international student dormitory with a private room and a bathroom, as well as shared kitchen. The accommodation is a 25 minute walk from the campus. The commuting and accommodation facilities are convenient.

Send your application (CV, Research plan, portfolio, ethical considerations) in applications[at]finstitute.jp by October 21st 23.59 o’clock.