Artist in Residence Program
OUR PROGRAM
Base Camp Imari is an artist in residence program located in Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan. Studio Kura, the company behind the long running residence program in Fukuoka Prefecture, started it in 2025 after taking over and renewing a small inn at the foot of the historic pottery village Ōkawachiyama.
Family-friendly, Private ResidenceUnlike other programs, Base Camp Imari is designed for artists traveling with their families or partners. The whole residence is reserved for one artist (and their companions), offering both creative focus and comfortable family living.
Flexible StaysWe offer slots from 1 month to 3 months in length.
Pottery Village AtmosphereEasy access to Ōkawachiyama, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain and home to many traditional kilns.
BicyclesBicycles are available for exploring the surrounding area.
Family-friendly, Private ResidenceUnlike other programs, Base Camp Imari is designed for artists traveling with their families or partners. The whole residence is reserved for one artist (and their companions), offering both creative focus and comfortable family living.
Flexible StaysWe offer slots from 1 month to 3 months in length.
Pottery Village AtmosphereEasy access to Ōkawachiyama, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain and home to many traditional kilns.
BicyclesBicycles are available for exploring the surrounding area.
STUDIO AND ACCOMMODATION
Base Camp Imari provides artists and their families with a private traditional Japanese house during their stay.
The residence includes: Private bedrooms (suitable for couples or families) A kitchen and dining area Bathroom and toilet Wi-Fi internet connection A living room that can also function as a studio space The house is available for private use, so artists can focus on their creative projects while also enjoying a relaxed family life.
The residence includes: Private bedrooms (suitable for couples or families) A kitchen and dining area Bathroom and toilet Wi-Fi internet connection A living room that can also function as a studio space The house is available for private use, so artists can focus on their creative projects while also enjoying a relaxed family life.
FEES AND EXPENSES
The residence fee is 220,000 JPY for 4 weeks, covering the artist and one companion.
For additional family members or companions, the fee is as follows (per person, per 4 weeks): Adult (high school age and above): 60,000 JPY Child (elementary to junior high school): 30,000 JPY Child under elementary school age: 20,000 JPY Examples: Artist + 1 companion (basic fee): 220,000 JPY Artist + spouse + 1 child (elementary school): 250,000 JPY Artist + spouse + 1 child (under elementary): 240,000 JPY Artist + spouse + 2 children (one elementary, one under elementary): 270,000 JPY We require a deposit of 20,000 JPY once your stay is confirmed. The rest of the payment can be made in cash upon arrival.
Notes Daily expenses including food, transportation, and art supplies are not covered in our residence fee. We do not have our own funding program, so artists are encouraged to apply for funding in their own countries. We are pleased to provide invitation letters and supporting documents for accepted artists.
For additional family members or companions, the fee is as follows (per person, per 4 weeks): Adult (high school age and above): 60,000 JPY Child (elementary to junior high school): 30,000 JPY Child under elementary school age: 20,000 JPY Examples: Artist + 1 companion (basic fee): 220,000 JPY Artist + spouse + 1 child (elementary school): 250,000 JPY Artist + spouse + 1 child (under elementary): 240,000 JPY Artist + spouse + 2 children (one elementary, one under elementary): 270,000 JPY We require a deposit of 20,000 JPY once your stay is confirmed. The rest of the payment can be made in cash upon arrival.
Notes Daily expenses including food, transportation, and art supplies are not covered in our residence fee. We do not have our own funding program, so artists are encouraged to apply for funding in their own countries. We are pleased to provide invitation letters and supporting documents for accepted artists.
ABOUT IMARI AND BASE CAMP IMARI
Imari is a historic town in Saga Prefecture, world-famous as the birthplace of Imari porcelain. Nearby Ōkawachiyama has been home to potters for over 400 years, producing world-renowned Arita and Imari porcelain.
Walking through the narrow valley lined with kilns, studios, and galleries, one can feel the deep history and vibrant continuation of ceramic culture.
Base Camp Imari is located at the entrance of this pottery village, making it an ideal place for artists and their families to enjoy both creative work and cultural immersion.
Families can explore: Pottery workshops and studios Traditional kilns Beautiful nature trails and riverside walks Local shrines and historic sites
Walking through the narrow valley lined with kilns, studios, and galleries, one can feel the deep history and vibrant continuation of ceramic culture.
Base Camp Imari is located at the entrance of this pottery village, making it an ideal place for artists and their families to enjoy both creative work and cultural immersion.
Families can explore: Pottery workshops and studios Traditional kilns Beautiful nature trails and riverside walks Local shrines and historic sites
Apply
Please mail us all required information at
[email protected]
Your name Your preferred month to stay
(i.e. “07/2020”) Your website, or share some pictures of your work Artist statement Resume (CV) Proposal
(tell us about the project you would like to pursue during your stay at Arts Itoya) Feel free to share links to your artist statement, resume or proposal instead of attaching files.
We are looking forward to your application.
[email protected]
Your name Your preferred month to stay
(i.e. “07/2020”) Your website, or share some pictures of your work Artist statement Resume (CV) Proposal
(tell us about the project you would like to pursue during your stay at Arts Itoya) Feel free to share links to your artist statement, resume or proposal instead of attaching files.
We are looking forward to your application.
OUR TEAM
Hirofumi Matsuzaki
Founder
Welcome to Base Camp Imari! A place where artists and families can live, create, and experience the deep history of Japanese ceramics together.
Founder
Welcome to Base Camp Imari! A place where artists and families can live, create, and experience the deep history of Japanese ceramics together.
