The Kyoto Retreat is a fully funded, four-week creative residency designed for visual artists, curators, and writers. Founded in 2024 by curator Dexter Wimberly, the program offers an extended period of inspiration, reflection, and research in Kyoto, one of Japan’s cultural capitals. The next session runs from October 16 to November 13, 2025, supporting international creatives looking for time and space to reconnect with their work.
About the Program
The Kyoto Retreat is unique in its focus on creative rejuvenation rather than production. Residents enjoy a private bedroom in a shared house and are free to set their own daily structure—no workshops, no teaching obligations, and no deliverables required. The emphasis is on deep creative immersion and engagement with Kyoto’s historical environment.
The accommodations are intentionally minimalist to encourage introspection. Common communal spaces foster informal exchange among participants, who come from diverse artistic backgrounds. This setting supports focused time to read, think, write, sketch, or conduct research uninterrupted.
Financial Benefits
The fully funded package includes:
- Round-trip economy airfare to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
- A private bedroom in a shared house for the full four-week duration
- A stipend of US $800, allocated for meals and local transportation
These provisions ensure that residents can fully dedicate themselves to thoughtful creative engagement without financial concern.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following:
- Be visual artists, curators, or writers with at least 5 years of professional practice
- Age 21 or older, based anywhere in the world
- Fluent in English, as the working language of the program is English; applications must be submitted in English
There is no requirement to produce new work or hold public events, recognizing that the retreat’s intent is restorative and reflective.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae or resume
- Short statement (up to 300 words) explaining your creative practice and how you want to use the retreat time (e.g., research, writing, reflection)
- Portfolio or work samples: up to 10 images, PDFs, or audio/video (max. 10 minutes total)
Applications are submitted online through SlideRoom. There is a non-refundable application fee of US $95.
Application Timeline
- Application deadline: July 15, 2025
- Notification of results: by August 15, 2025
- Residence period in Kyoto: October 16 – November 13, 2025
How to Apply
- Visit the official website and download the application form and guidelines.
- Complete and submit all materials—including CV, statement, and portfolio—via SlideRoom.
- Pay the US $95 application fee.
- Submit before July 15, 2025.
- Wait for results by August 15; selected residents will receive a full welcome packet with travel and accommodation details.
Official Application Site:
https://www.kyotoretreat.com/faq (includes “Apply Now” link)
Related:
- KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program in Saudi Arabia 2025-26 (Fully Funded)
- Fulbright US Student Program 2026-27 Fully Funded
- Khazar University Scholarships 2025 Fully Funded
Why Apply?
The Kyoto Retreat offers a rare environment where artists, curators, and writers can:
- Experience a creative retreat in a culturally rich Japanese city with UNESCO World Heritage sites and a tranquil aesthetic
- Reconnect with your practice through absence of output pressure—ideal for those undergoing creative burnout.
- Live communally with fellow creatives in a private yet shared environment.
- Explore without obligation: temple visits, quiet walks, and contemplative time are all encouraged.
- Receive logistical support for travel and local transport, so you can focus fully on your creative process.
Program Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | The Kyoto Retreat 2025 |
| Residency Dates | October 16 – November 13, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Visual artists, curators, and writers (age 21+, global applicants) |
| Coverage | Airfare, private room, US $800 stipend |
| Application Deadline | July 15, 2025 |
| Notification Date | By August 15, 2025 |
| Apply Via | SlideRoom via official website |
The Kyoto Retreat 2025 is tailored to creatives seeking renewal, reflection, or deep research in a setting that nourishes quiet inspiration. With full funding, minimal obligations, and rich cultural immersion, it offers a profound opportunity—whether you’re recharging your creative practice or seeking new creative perspectives.
Apply early, prepare your materials carefully, and let me know if you’d like support in writing your statement or selecting strong work samples.