Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, Aomori Public College

Artist in Residence Program 2012/ autumn

“Storyteller”

Application Guidelines

[ 1 ] Purpose of the Program

Aomori Contemporary Art Centre (ACAC) opened in December 2001 as an artistic institution centered on an ‘Artist-in-Residence’ (AIR) program system. We invite to our facility artists who play an active part in the field of contemporary art. During the residency period, we hold an exhibition and various exchange programs to contribute to the creative life. Through creative activities, presentations, workshops, and lectures by the artist, the aim of the program is to help the audience gain a deeper understanding of art and to promote international exchange.

Therefore, on this AIR program, our aim is not only to support the artist whilst he creates his work, but also to use the program as a tool with which to educate the local audience about art. Through the encounters and the interaction between the artists and people in Aomori a new creative space will be born.

[ 2 ] Program theme: “Storyteller”

Humans find symbols everywhere, and various global events and truths, and order and origins, have been represented as narratives which have been organized in a given time and space. Creating, communicating, and receiving these narratives may also be to acknowledge or to be aware of the world. This remains unchanged even today; countless narratives are born through various types of media. From numerous existing narratives, people find a narrative in which they can share. By superimposing their own thoughts and feelings, they begin to understand themselves. When people talk about their own story, they can know themselves. What is the narrative of artwork? Is it having a symbolic story or history in the background? Or is it a scene from a story which the artist has created? Is it a narrative which indicates serial development in a given space? The artwork may allude to narrative structure itself. Whatever the case may be, when artwork gains a certain type of narrativity artists' activities themselves become a medium. During the Fall 2012 Artist in Residence Program, we would like to approach artists' works and activities from the perspective of "narrative".

[ 3 ] Number of Participating Artists

4 artists

[ 4 ] Application Requirements

a) The artist should be working in the field of contemporary art (regardless of genre).

b) The artist should be independent, and capable of working and living on his or her own.

c) The artist should be able to produce and present artwork and to handle the dismantling and removal of that artwork, by him or herself within the designated period of time.

d) The artist should understand the purpose of his or her visit to ACAC, and be able to be present for more than 55 days of the residency period.

e) The artist should be able to lead a community life with the other artists on the program.

f) The artist should be able to communicate with local people, including joining in the exchange program activities, (talks, lectures, workshops, school visits etc) and should be prepared to take an active role in the educational art program.

g) The artist should be able to explain his or her artwork, and to give lectures or workshops in English or Japanese as part of the exchange program.

h) The artist should be in good health.

I) The artist should be able to speak and understand basic English daily conversation.

[ 5 ] How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit by post the documents listed by the due date. Please follow the instructions detailed when filling in applications.

The applications must reach ACAC no later than May 25, 2012.

* This deadline is final. Under no circumstances will late applications be considered.

[ 6 ] Screening and Notification

The judges and curators of ACAC will strictly screen all applicants. The applicants will be informed of the final decision by middle June, 2012.

[ 7 ] Schedule

Period of stay September 10 – December 21

(*Until September 17, other AIR exhibition is held.)

Meeting September 26

Exhibition October 27 – December 16

Dismantling December 17-21 　

■Official exchange activity*

Gallery Talk October 27

Lecture, Workshop on weekends

Exchange program for school on weekdays

*The schedule for lectures or workshops will be finalized after due consideration.

[ 8 ] Location for Working and Presentation

The Aomori Contemporary Art Centre galleries and site will be used for the production and exhibition of artwork.

* The exhibition is a group exhibition.

* The nature of the work required for the exhibition, and the location of the exhibition, will be decided after due consultation between the ACAC and the artists.

[ 9 ] Obligations of the Organizer and the Artist

The Organizer and the Artist have the following obligations to each other throughout the duration of the program and enter into a contract on the basis of this. In principle, it is a precondition that all successful applicants come alone to Aomori. Artist can apply as a group or unit. In this case, the organizer considers 1 artist’s group or unit as 1 artist, and provides expenses only for 1 artist's expense.

If successful applicants wish to be accompanied by family members or an assistant, it is necessary to consult with ACAC beforehand. Should ACAC approve the Artist’s request, the accompanying individuals may stay at the ACAC facilities. In this case, the artist is financially responsible for paying both the travel fare and the accommodation fee (JPY2,000@day) for the accompanying individual.

Subject	Nature of Obligation
Travel to Aomori
Travel expenses	THE ORGANIZER will pay the following travel expenses according to the Aomori public college’ regulations: <overseas resident> A one time round trip economy class air ticket from the international airport which is nearest to the Artist’s home to Aomori airport (or flight fare + railway fare to Aomori) . <domestic resident> A railway fare to Aomori (one time round trip) from the train station nearest to the Artist's residence. *The ORGANIZER provides travel expenses after the ARTIST arrival. *From overseas the amount payable is up to 200,000JPY, for domestic travel it is up to 100,000JPY. * The residence means the place for tax payment. * The expense for the transportation of goods or materials must be paid by the Artist.
Visa	THE ARTIST should make arrangements for a visa with which they may enter Japan, if it is necessary. Please enquire at the Japanese Embassy in your country.
Working, Exhibition (presentation) and the Exchange Program
Activities	THE ARTIST should participate in the presentation of artwork and in the exchange program (outlined in another paragraph) during the residency.
Production expenses*	THE ORGANIZER will provide 250,000JPY in production expenses, in which is included fees for material, employment, research, transportation, display and putting away of exhibition etc (provided that THE ORGANIZER accepts their necessity).
Expenses for Art Exchange Program*	THE ORGANIZER will provide 75,000JPY as an artist fee for the art exchange program.
Studio	THE ORGANIZER will provide the artists with a studio in the Creative Hall and with display space in the Exhibition Hall in ACAC. (during the program period only) THE ARTIST must share the studio with other artists.
Care of Studio	THE ORGANIZER will sweep the studio regularly, but THE ARTIST should keep his or her own studio clean. When THE ARTIST leaves ACAC, THE ARTIST should return the studio to its original condition.
Exhibition	<Exhibition>; --The location of each exhibition and the final contents of the work proposal must be decided after due consultation between ACAC (curators and director) and THE ARTIST. -- In principle, THE ARTIST should exhibit his or her work by him or herself and care and maintain his or her own work by him or herself during the exhibition. --THE ORGANIZER should prepare any materials necessary for presentation (panels, explanatory captions, etc) of the artwork for the audience. Decisions on any such materials shall be made after due consultation between THE ARTIST and ACAC. -- Our gallery has no partitions, and sound loud and echoing. Our gallery has no partitions, and sound loud and echoing. Requires some adjustment, if THE ARTIST would like to use sound or light. <Lighting>; Our gallery is of a design which utilizes natural light. However, when it is accepted that artificial lighting is required for the presentation of exhibition works, the lighting equipments in ACAC’s possession may be used.
Handling of the Works after the Exhibition	The works must be temporary. THE ARTIST should be able to dismantle his or her works by him or herself after the exhibition. Should the artist wish to take that work produced during the residency back home, THE ARTIST must pack his or her work alone and pay any expenses involved in packing and shipping.
Exchange Program	THE ARTIST must participate in the following exchange programs: --Artist Talk (Gallery Talk) --Lecture, Workshop --Local traditional craft workshop THE ORGANIZER will provide and pay the cost for any materials used in such exchange programs.
About Living in ACAC
Living Expenses*	THE ORGANIZER will provide living costs according to the Aomori public college’ regulations for THE ARTIST. (upper limit is 70 days worth) The full of living expenses is 299,200JPY. However, living allowance is not paid for in the following cases: -- When THE ARTIST goes outside Aomori for personal travel. -- In cases of late arrival to and/or early departure from ACAC.
Accommodation	THE ORGANIZER will provide the artist with residential facilities in ACAC during the program period (a private single room / 19.44�u). THE ARTIST must share bathroom and kitchen facilities. The facilities are self-catering. THE ARTIST must keep his or her private room, and the bathroom and kitchen facilities clean. When THE ARTIST leaves ACAC, THE ARTIST must return the residential facilities to their original condition.
Internet	THE ARTIST can use the internet connection installed in each room.
Insurance	THE ARTIST is covered by injury insurance and sickness insurance for the duration of the residency. Any past illness, chronic diseases and dental treatment are not covered. THE ARTIST is free to enter private health insurance policies.
Other
Cooperation with Record of Activities, and About Copyright	THE ORGANIZER will take pictures of works produced and will film the production process in order to have a record of all activities undertaken during the period of residency. THE ARTIST should cooperate with the recording of these archives. THE ARTIST retains copyright of his or her work. However, THE ORGANIZER reserves the right to record (photo, film, etc.) these works, and the copyright of these archival recordings is owned by ACAC. ACAC also retains the right to use any such records for publicity purposes. Any parties who have received the proper permission from THE ORGANIZER may use these records at no cost.
About the Exhibition Catalogue	THE ORGANIZER will produce an Exhibition Catalogue and present 20 copies of the catalogue to THE ARTIST.
Cooperation with Public Relations	THE ARTIST should cooperate with public relations (press conferences or other requests) as much as possible. However it is possible to refuse when there is fear of an invasion of the artist's privacy and/or interference with the artist's work. In such cases, please consult with THE ORGANIZER.
Assistance for Activities	Aside from the ACAC staff members, ACAC has an independent volunteer organization which supports the resident artists in the fields of creative assistance, translation and general living needs. The nature of the support available will be decided after discussions with participating artists, volunteers and the organizer during the orientation period.
*About tax	THE ARTIST native of a country that has not concluded an income tax convention with Japan MUST pay a 20% income tax to Japan from all allowances (Execution allowance and living allowance). Please ask your country’s embassy or the organs concerned for further details.
Presentation after AIR program	Because this program is supported by Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, in Fiscal Year, 2012, THE ARTIST is required to present the result of the stay in Japan through the following activities within 1 year after leaving Japan. Ex.) -- show the result at the exhibition, lecture or workshop -- write a text about the result of the stay in Japan on the newspaper, magazine, web site and so on.

[ 10 ] Address & Inquiry

AIR 2012

Aomori Contemporary Art Centre

152-6 Yamazaki, Goshizawa, Aomori, 030-0134 JAPAN

Fax +81-17-764-5201

e-mail: acac-air@acac-aomori.jp

URL: http://www.acac-aomori.jp