Open Call for Artists and Researchers: MA UMI Residencies in Japan (2023)

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Courtesy of Ma Umi Residencies
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Courtesy of Ma Umi Residencies
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Ma Umi Residencies

Open Call for Artists and Researchers: MA UMI Residencies in Japan (2023)

In the age of climate change, the ocean is a fundamental aspect of research, integral to the planet’s future development. Deadline: December 15, 2022.

MA UMI RESIDENCIES is a self-funded and not-for-profit, international hub for artists and researchers. Their residents concentrate on a wide range of specialisations, disciplines and practices, but come together to live and work in the Northern Peninsula of Ishigaki Island, Japan. The programme is intended to create a lively platform; to collect, discuss, and experiment with the land, the ocean, and nearby communities. Ishigaki, an island of the Yaeyama Islands in southern Ryukyu, is about 440 kilometres southwest of Okinawa and 240 kilometres east of Taiwan. Ishigaki and the seven islands composing the Yaeyama archipelago are situated on the far southern edge of Okinawa prefecture.

Residencies are short-term and operate as a seed. In time a new community of residents is created and encouraged to be back to the island for future projects. MA UMI RESIDENCIES is not results-driven. Residents have the possibility to present their work through an exhibition, a performance, a workshop or lead a similar event during their stay. The minimum requirement is a public presentation of their past research work and residency reflection to the local community.

Green Rabbit (est. 2012) is MA UMI’s base, creative home and permacultural project space nested in the forest. In 2022, an additional living workshop and terrace were annexed to the main building to accommodate new, land-related activities. An edible forest and permaculture garden, for instance, were developed to provide a space for critical observation of the project, conceptually and technically. The garden is enhanced with herbs and medicinal plants that are locally renowned to improve one’s health and diet. Green Rabbit is thus particularly impactful for permaculturists and artists who seek tangible exposure to their lifework.

Pink Turtle is both a home and workshop now under construction. Located across the road from Green Rabbit, it is immersed in a primary forest, mangrove, beach, and coral reef. An assemblage of pink concrete structures cascades down the slope with an imbrication of terraces above the sea. A large, protective roof provides the framework for the two buildings, weaving public and private areas together. In reference to a turtle shell sheltering everyone from the sun, rain, and typhoons, the roof interlocks with the lower terrace and the ocean space directly facing the ocean. The surrounding environment will provide marine biologists, free divers, and artists with conditions to build collective knowledge about the interdependence with the Ocean.

Blue Seahorse is a new initiative located in Hirakubo, a small, remote village stretching between farmlands and secluded beaches. The residence includes a small house and light guest house, mostly opened in the garden; glass and panels hinge at the top like flap closing during typhoons. An immersive holistic food lab will work closely with the land and community to develop innovative edible experiences. This offers a unique opportunity for chefs and culinary artists to collaborate and push cross-disciplinary boundaries.

MA Umi Residencies is not results-driven. Residents have the possibility to present their work though an exhibition, a performance, a workshop or lead a similar event during their stay. The minimum requirement is a public presentation of their past research work and residency reflection to the local community. They also encourage intercultural collaborations with their network of local partners and contacts, as appropriate to each resident’s particular interests.

Professionals and students are invited to apply. They are open to a wide range of disciplines, such as architecture, geography, geology, oceanography, etc. and all art mediums including drawing, installation, painting, printmaking, sculpture, sound, film, writing, culinary, wearables, etc. Artists of all nationalities are welcome; however, artists will be responsible for obtaining their own visas (with a supporting letter from them). Artist duos are welcome. Applicants must be over the age of twenty-one and have previous work available for review in a digital format.

December 15, 2022, is the deadline for their open call.

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