TOMA HOUSE AIR — Kintsugi Residency: Learn Urushi-Based Traditional Kintsugi & Maki-e in Nara, Japan (2027)

Overview
TOMA HOUSE AIR, situated in Nara—a city steeped in Japanese craft heritage—offers a residency focused on the traditional techniques of urushi-based kintsugi and maki-e. This program provides a rare opportunity for artists to engage with materials and methods that have been refined over centuries, within a context that values slow making and material intelligence. The residency is open to practitioners across disciplines, with a particular interest in sculpture and dance, suggesting a curatorial vision that bridges physical object-making and embodied practice. The residency does not specify a fee or prize, and the deadline is rolling, indicating an ongoing openness to applications. Artists are expected to propose a project that aligns with the residency's thematic focus, though the exact deliverables and support structure are not detailed in the provided information. The location in Nara implies access to local resources, potential mentorship, and a community of craftspeople, but applicants should inquire directly for specifics. Given the specialized nature of the techniques, the selection committee likely seeks individuals who demonstrate a genuine commitment to material exploration and a willingness to engage with the cultural and historical dimensions of kintsugi and maki-e. The inclusion of dance in the genres suggests an interest in how these techniques might inform movement, choreography, or performance, expanding the traditional boundaries of the craft.