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9 Artist Residencies in Asia You Should Apply To

Welcome to Part 4 of our continuing exploration of artist residencies for ceramic artists! In today’s post we’ll be looking eastward to share 9 opportunities in Asia that we think are worth applying to. Asia is well known for its importance in ceramics history, as well as its commitment to superb craftsmanship. In this incredibly diverse region, you can find residencies of equal variety, from those offering a retreat from the everyday, to museum based opportunities, to those placed in craft villages. After a look at our curated list below, we’re sure you’ll find an opportunity that you’ll be jumping to apply for!

1. Anvi Pottery

Set among the lush farmlands of Raigad, with the verdant hills as a backdrop, the studio sets the stage for a slower life away from the city. Anvi Pottery attracts ceramists from all over to practice pottery and attend classes, events and residencies. They offer a throwing focused residency to help you gain mastery on the potter’s wheel. 

Where:  Indapur, Raigad, India

When: Unspecified

Duration: 4 months

Facilities: Full ceramic facilities, including raku and wood firing kilns

Technical Support: Yes, this is an instructional residency

Accommodation: Yes

Cost: 70,800INR (~$850USD) per month, inclusive of material, lodging (sharing basis), and all meals (Single room occupancy available at additional charge)

Expectations: Participation in instructional sessions

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Owner, instructor, and master potter Sandeep Manchekar has over 20 years of ceramic experience, and will help you improve your throwing practice while enjoying the tranquil setting of his rural school. 

2. Mashiko Museum Residency Program

Located on the studio grounds of famed Japanese potter Shoji Hamada in the historic pottery town of Mashiko, the Mashiko Museum Residency Program provides an opportunity for cultural exchanges for both domestic and overseas ceramic artists, and aims to build connections between potters and the local population. 

Where: Mashiko, Japan

When: May-July and Sept-Dec

Duration: 45-60 Days

Facilities: Fully equipped ceramic studio with multiple kilns, wheels, and mixers. The use of porcelain is not permitted.

Technical Support: Yes

Accommodation: Provided

Cost: Masiko Museum covers your accommodation, airfare, and studio fees. You are responsible for your living expenses.

Expectations: Weekly open studio, workshop, or presentation, allow the museum to document your experience at the residency, and to submit an essay about your experience upon completion of your stay.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: With such a rich ceramic history in such a beautiful location, this residency offers you the opportunity to connect to a community with strong pottery ties while receiving the financial support to push your work forward.

3. Jingdezhen International Studio Residency Project

Located in one of the best known ceramics communities in Asia, Jingdezhen International Studio Residency is located at the Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue. It is a newly established ceramics culture hub in Jingdezhen, and international residency artists create new works while taking advantage of the local ceramic knowledge and extensive facilities. Jingdezhen provides a unique exchange and display platform for artists and art institutions.

Where: Jingdezhen, China

When: Not specified

Duration: Minimum 1 month

Facilities: Fully equipped ceramic facilities including 5 gas kilns (6 cubic-meter, 3.85 cubic meter, 1.82 cubic meter, 0.15 cubic meter, 0.05 cubic meter) , 3 electric kilns (0.43 cubic meter, 0.18 cubic meter, 0.08 cubic meter) , 1 Raku kiln, 6 electric potters wheels, clay materials room, glaze room with spray booth, plug mill, slab roller, sand blaster and drying box.

Technical Support: Yes, includes professional pottery technicians, and translators

Accommodation: Yes, a variety of accommodation options are available, ranging in price for 50-100RMB (~7-14USD)/day. A meal plan is also available for ~$4USD/day.

Cost: There are two different options available, with studio rental costs ranging from 250RMB (~$35USD)/day, and 340RMB (~$48USD)/day. Material and firing fees are in addition to your studio fee.

Expectations: Not specified

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: The residency is part of a composite project which integrates industrial development and upgrading with the new urbanization. The surrounding area used to be the main export porcelain production base in China, with many industrial heritages and rich historical memories. Taking the original Yuzhou porcelain factory as the core start-up area, the project aims to construct Taoxichuan Art Avenue, with a total construction area of 89000 square meters. It completed the rescue protection and restoration of 22 old porcelain factory buildings, coal-firing round kilns, tunnel kilns and other facilities, and has built Jingdezhen Heritage of Ceramic Industry Museum, Taoxichuan Art Gallery, Taoxichuan • Jingdezhen International Studio, boutique hotel, creative restaurants, coffee experience hall and other service facilities.

4. Dharamkot Studio Creative Retreat

This is a program for artists and creatives, yearning for a serene retreat to nurture their creativity and reflect on their ideas. The program is specifically offered to individuals seeking solitude and inspiration in a tranquil setting to delve into their creative pursuits. Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or working in any other medium/field, this program is perfect for those seeking time for self-reflection, exploration and focus on creative work. 

Where: Dharmshala, H.P. India

When: Jan-Feb

Duration: 1-3 Weeks

Facilities: Fully equipped communal ceramic studio

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: Yes, you’ll be offered a cozy heated room, hot water, kettle, yoga mat, wifi and private balcony. Three delicious, locally-sourced vegetarian meals are provided daily to fuel your inspiration.

Cost: INR4,000 (~$48USD) +18%GST per night 

Expectations: None specified

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Nestled in a picturesque Himalayan winter landscape, the studio has long been a haven for artists and creatives of all disciplines. The residency provides a private, peaceful environment where you can focus on your work, surrounded by the beauty of winter. They invite artists and creatives from all fields to join us at our studio for an immersive winter residency experience. 

5. Ceramics Forest Artist in Residence at The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park

Since its opening in 1992, the Creative Training Center has accepted ceramic artists from all over the world and provided them with the opportunity to freely create their own works in Shigaraki. Since there is no such thing as a curriculum, each person can create their own work plan, and around 10 potters are creating pottery at any given time. The aim is to create a stimulating production environment by deepening interactions with people of different styles and nationalities.

Where: Shigaraki, Japan

When: Year round

Duration: 2-12 months

Facilities: You’ll be offered 9 square meters of space within the communal ceramic studio. There are gas and electric kilns available, along with an anagama kiln, plaster room, glaze room, and pallets for making large works and lifters for moving. You’ll need to bring your own personal tools with you and purchase raw materials.

Technical Support: Yes

Accommodation: Single room equipped with bed, desk, small refrigerator, electric kettle, and unit bath. If you apply for futons to be used during your stay, we will arrange for them. Communal kitchen is available.

Cost: 36,600 yen (~$250USD) per month for your studio fee, along with an accommodation fee of 19,300 yen (~$132USD) per month. Kiln fees also apply.

Expectations: Donation of a finished work

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: This program is located in Shigaraki, one of the famous pottery-manufacturing sites in Japan. Having a local pottery industry means that Shigaraki has ready and plentiful access to raw materials, various equipments and tools,, contact with other ceramicists at different career levels and with various styles, contact with people who can provide objective assessments of produced works, and proximity to a sales network base.

6. Ceramic Creation Center, ClayArch Gimhae Museum

A creative studio specializing in ceramics operated by the Clayarch Gimhae Museum of Art, the Ceramic Creation Center aims to provide a stable space and convenient conditions for visual artists in various fields, including architecture, ceramics, design, painting, and sculpture, so that they can focus on architectural ceramics or ceramics work. The center supports domestic and foreign artists of various genres and nationalities to come together to experience new ideas and technologies and engage in creative activities. In addition, by forming an active network among participating artists, they foresee a sustainable future for architectural ceramics and the ceramics field through harmonious convergence with other genres and pursue creative evolution.

Where: Gimhae, South Korea

When: Year round

Duration: 2 weeks- 6 months

Facilities: The Ceramic Creation Center is equipped with a variety of facilities for various experiments, research, and production of works, including a wood (iron) workshop, plaster room, firing room, trial room, and clay and material room. In particular, the firing room is equipped with 4m3, 2m3, and 0.8m3 gas kilns and 0.5m3, 0.2m3, 0.056m3, 0.04m3, and 0.03m3 electric kilns that can fire large-scale works of 2 meters or more at once 

Technical Support: Not specified

Accommodation: The third floor of the Ceramic Creation Center has 13 guest rooms where artists can live and a multi-purpose room where seminars and presentations can be held. 

Cost: Contact for details

Expectations: None stated

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: The Ceramic Creation Center’s programs are carried out in conjunction with exhibitions, academic studies, education, international exchange, and architectural ceramics projects planned by the Clayarch Gimhae Museum. Through operating programs such as open studios, artist research seminars, educational experience programs, and architectural ceramics projects, they aim to create a place of communication where artists, planners, critics, and visitors can freely exchange about culture, the environment, and architectural ceramics.

7. TongLau Space

Set up in 2018, Tonglau is an artist-run space designed to promote contemporary art in all its diverse forms within an international context, and to stimulate creativity through direct contact with the city of Hong Kong. Each artist will have the opportunity to develop his/her project within a number of different artistic fields, including painting, drawing, photography, installation art, sculpture, new media, ceramics, glass, and design.

Where: Hong Kong

When: Year round

Duration: 1-3 Months

Facilities: Ceramic facilities are available, details not specified

Technical Support: Not Specified

Accommodation: Yes, there a double occupancy rooms available, along with a shared kitchen and laundry facilities

Cost: $1,800USD per month

Expectations: End Presentation, studio discussion, and workshop on the research during the residency

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Tonglau aims to set up an exchange of ideas in contemporary art with local as well as international artists within various disciplines of contemporary art practice, through artist talks, studio discussion, visits to local artist studios, and Hong Kong cultural exploration. All artists have the chance to show and promote their work in the program through an end exhibition.

8. TESA Creative Center

Founded in 2018, TESA Creative Center sets out from environmental concern and sustainable ecology, and inspires thoughts upon art, spaces, and the environment. Artist-in-Residence provides artists excellent places for art-making, living, research and exchange. Artists are also encouraged to contribute to the communities with art actions.  Artist-in-Residence in TESA aims to have international exchange in-depth and at the same time, introduce Taiwan to the world through artists from all over the world.

Where: New Taipei City, Taiwan

When: March-December

Duration: 1 month

Facilities: Artist will have access to the ceramic workshop in Danshui

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: Yes, there is a shared artist house available for participants

Cost:  Individual- $1300USD, Group- $900USD per person. Fees include accommodation and studio access.

Expectations: None stated

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: TESA Creative Center actively interacts with the art society and local communities; it organizes exhibitions, panels, speeches among other events. Artist-in-residence program deepens the exchange of artists from all over the world, new ideas about art, spaces and the environment will be sparkling during these multiple layers of exchange. Through interactions with artists of different cultures and experiences, TESA broadens the horizon of environmental aesthetics for Taiwan. In the meantime, the achievement of Taiwanese artists will be introduced to the world through these artists.

9. Gaya Ceramics Artist in Residency Program

For periods of intense and focused growth and creativity, Gaya invites professional ceramic artists from all over the world to bring and exchange creative energy, inspiration and general enthusiasm for clay with their burgeoning community of artists, designers, students and patrons.  Open to any mature artist working in clay, they select 3 residents per year for two-month periods of stay.  

Where: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

When: Year round

Duration: 2 months

Facilities: : You’ll get a 3m x 4m private space with personal tables, wheel, and shelves.

A variety of clay are available (stoneware with/without grog, anagama clay with/without grog, porcelain, raku bodies), as well as glazes (cone 10, raku, soda), slab roller, extruder, tools, and resources (GCAD archives and research info  Kilns include gas fiber, raku, anagama, and gas soda

Technical Support: Yes, from Gaya studio personnel (both studio assistant and CAD technical)

Accommodation: Includes a lovely private apartment, fully furnished with kitchen, and within walking distance from the studio 

Cost: : IDR 7.000.000 (~$450.86USD)/month for accommodation and studio. Travel and living expenses not included

Expectations: A Slide Presentation of Artist’s Work (45 minute Powerpoint setup; open free to the public and translated for all Gaya Ceramic staff) and one piece of finished work for Gaya to retain for their collection.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Located in incomparable Bali, you’ll be able to combine a focused period of ceramic making with the relaxation and beauty of the tropics. 

Our journey through the realm of ceramic artist residencies in Asia has been a fascinating exploration of the region’s rich heritage and commitment to craftsmanship. We’ve uncovered 9 opportunities that showcase the incredible diversity of artistic experiences available to ceramic artists, and we’re confident that there’s an opportunity that will resonate with each ceramic artist’s aspirations. Asia provides a dynamic backdrop for artistic exploration and cross-cultural exchange and we encourage you to delve into this collection, find the residency that speaks to your creative vision, and consider it as a launching pad for artistic growth and cultural immersion!

If you liked this article, be sure to check out our residency directory, and have a read through the rest of this series, where we looked at residency opportunities in North America, Europe, and Australia & New Zealand! Next up we’ll have a look at programs in South America and the Caribbean. 

If you’ve been fortunate enough to participate in the residencies mentioned above, let us know your experience in the comments below! And be sure to read all about The Ceramic School’s very own artist residency in Austria! 

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