Japanese artist, Izumi Kato and Fundación Casa Wabi are pleased to announce the second open-call 6 weeks residency prize for two emerging Japanese artists, by nationality or born in Japan (ages 20 to 40), living and working in Japan, interested in cultural cross-pollination, and wishing to have a dialogue with the communities around Casa Wabi in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico.
This prize was established by Kato’s desire to make it possible for young Japanese creators in all genres, such as fine art, design, music etc., to experience the residency program at Fundación Casa Wabi.
Every Casa Wabi resident is required to develop, lead, and complete a collaborative project in one of the communities surrounding Casa Wabi. These community projects are intended to create a dialogue and mutually beneficial relationship between the artist and the community. With the guidance of the Foundation´s team, the artist will create a meaningful project in which shared knowledge and horizontal collaboration are the main focus. HERE you can have a look at previous projects which include a wide range of activities.
APPLICATION DETAILS
When and where should I submit my application?
Applications Open: November 22, 2025
Applications Close: December 23, 2025
Winners Notified: January 15, 2026
Winners Announced Publicly: January 19, 2026
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION THROUGH THIS LINK*. (Applications must be submitted in English.)
When will the residency take place?
The residency will take place in 2026 in one of the following sessions:
Session 6: 21 September – 28 October, 2026
Session 7: 4 November – 11 December, 2026
*The specific session will be chosen in consultation between Fundación Casa Wabi and the winners.
Who can apply?
The prize is open to Japanese and Japan born creators based in Japan, aged 20 to 40, who have skills to communicate in English. We don’t accept duo / group applications.
What does the prize include?
* Round trip coach class ticket from Japan to Mexico City and Mexico City to Puerto Escondido. (Artists are responsible for traveler’s insurance and transportation to an airport in Japan.)
* Lodging, studio space, and three meals per day. Each bungalow offers a comfortable bedroom with a private bathroom. (Friends and family are not permitted.)
* Support for the community project.
* Please note that the artist’s production costs for their own work are not included in the prize.
* All reimbursements related to the prize will be made through Fundación Casa Wabi.
What are the requirements for the residency?
We have no productivity requirements. But all residents are asked to leave a log (any format is welcomed) that reflects their stay. This piece will become part of Fundación Casa Wabi’s collection.
Artists are also required to follow Fundación Casa Wabi’s rules and regulations during their residency terms.
What is the required community project?
Every Casa Wabi resident is required to develop, lead, and complete a collaborative project in one of the communities surrounding Casa Wabi. These community projects are intended to create a dialogue and mutually beneficial relationship between the artist and the community. With the guidance of the Foundation´s team, the artist will create a meaningful project in which shared knowledge and horizontal collaboration are the main focus. HERE you can have a look at previous projects which include a wide range of activities.
The community project should be carried out and finished within the period of the residency.
Are there any Japanese-speaking staff or assistants on site?
No. Creators should communicate in English or Spanish throughout the residency program.
How will the winners be chosen?
Winners will be evaluated on the overall quality of their work, their resonance with Casa Wabi’s ethos, and the potential of their proposed community project.
JURY
This year’s judges are Ikko Yokoyama and Andrea Bustillos Duhart.
Ikko Yokoyama
Senior Curator and Head of Design and Architecture at M+, Asia’s global museum of contemporary visual culture, in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District. Additionally, her external engagements include being the Co-President of the International Confederation of Architectural Museums (ICAM), an expert committee member of the National Center for Art Research, and a member of the expert advisory group for the Council for Cultural Affairs in the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan.
Andrea Bustillos Duhart
Curator and cultural manager with a distinguished career in contemporary art. She recently led a program to support the Creative and Cultural Industries in Mexico and curated the 6th edition of the Terremoto Auction. She was the curatorial director of Ayarkut and, from 2016 to 2022, served as director of Galería Karen Huber. In addition, she has advised private collections and contributed reviews and curatorial texts.
When will I hear back?
The two winners will be notified by January 15, 2026 and their names will be published online at casawabi.org by January 19, 2026.
Where can I find information about past residency programs?
Details of past programs can be found HERE
