Japanese artist Izumi Kato and Fundación Casa Wabi are pleased to announce the third open-call 6-week 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: October 5, 2026
- Applications Close: November 8, 2026
- Winners Notified: December 3, 2026
- Winners Announced Publicly: December 7, 2026
When will the residency take place?
The residency will take place in 2027, during one of the sessions agreed upon with the selected artists.
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 do not accept duo or group applications.
What does the prize include?
- Round-trip coach-class ticket from Japan to Mexico City and from 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. However, 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.
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 completed within the residency period.
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.
What form should my application take?
Your application must be submitted through THIS LINK*
JURY
This year’s judges are Azusa Hashimoto and Andrea Bustillos Duhart.
Azusa Hashimoto
Curator, The National Museum of Art, Osaka / Curator, Hayward Gallery
Received her M.A. from the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies at Kyoto University. Since 2008, she has been working as a curator at the National Museum of Art, Osaka and has been serving as a curator at the Hayward Gallery since 2026. Her interest lies in creativity that emerges from the friction between global art history and local art practices.
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 December 3, 2026, and their names will be published online at casawabi.org by December 7, 2026.
Where can I find information about past residency programs?
Details of past programs can be found HERE.
