Having run artist-in-residence (AIR) programs as one of its core projects since its opening in 2001, Aomori Contemporary Art Centre (ACAC) has positioned itself as a pioneer of AIR in Japan. With the generous support of curators, university students and local residents, artists can focus on their research and creations in the Residential Hall, Creative Hall, and Exhibition Hall located in the mountains.

When I stayed at ACAC for the screening process, some Japanese and international artists, who were taking part in the ongoing exhibition “currents / undercurrents: Bringing together the endless flow,” were also living in the accommodation. Some of them were staying for several months, and curators were working closely with the artists, offering personal consultations and accompanying them on their research activities. I believe there is no better environment for an artist than this.

There were nearly 500 entries from around the world for this year’s open call for the AIR. This reflects the high regard for ACAC after many years of such dedicated endeavor. The screening was conducted in categories, with a preliminary review by three curators narrowing the entries down to 15-20 individuals/groups per category. Candidates were then further narrowed down, screened by a panel consisting of three curators and one guest judge, from which 1-2 entries were selected in each category. The fundamental principle of the screening was to focus on the purpose and plan for the residency, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or background.

That said, the criteria for the evaluation can still vary, and may change according to the aspects that are focused on. At any given time, these aspects may include the content of the research, means of expression, timing of the residency, exhibitions, or exchange programs. If the plan includes an exhibition, the overall balance of the presentation must also be considered. Needless to say, each judge has a different perspective, so extensive discussions were held as much as time allowed.

My evaluation criterion was whether the residency participants could build a creative relationship with the local community. Most regional art festivals and urban art events held throughout Japan today are primarily aimed at tourism promotion. On the other hand, this AIR program has its eye on the local community. As it is not concerned about the immediate increase of visitor numbers or the economic impact, the program can place emphasis not only on exhibitions but also on exchange programs. The fundamental purpose of the AIR program is then daily communication and the relationship-building process between residency participants and local residents.

The artists who made it to the final selection proposed compelling plans that would create a mutual interaction between themselves and the local community, demonstrating they had grasped the essence of this AIR program. Using their personal interests as a starting point, they envisioned the unique landscape of Aomori and demonstrated a willingness to draw out new expressions from unexpected encounters. Of course, plans during the residency might not always go as expected. Even so, I believe they have the ability to gain new insights from the unexpected.

The main responsibility assigned to a “guest judge” is to collaborate with the curators to select the residency participants, but I also intend to remain actively involved with both the curators and the artists in the future. Merely engaging in the selection process and the exhibition (with talk sessions with the artists scheduled for December)—the “entry” and the “exit”—does not allow one to truly be able to touch the previously mentioned core of the AIR program. I believe it is also a crucial role of the judge to witness the events that will unfold around ACAC over the next few months and weave them into context.