PIER ARTS CENTRE
ARTIST INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY OPEN CALL

The Pier Arts Centre are seeking applications from Orkney-based artists who wish to undertake a residency at Aomori Contemporary Art Centre (ACAC) based on Honshu island, Nothern Japan in autumn/winter 2026.

The selected artist will stay for four weeks at ACAC’s residency facility. The artist will receive financial support for production and living expenses, as well as coordination and advisory support from the Pier Arts Centre. Travel expenses, including the return trip from Orkney to Aomori will also be provided.

Residency Period

Four weeks between November 16, 2026 and December 25, 2026 (the exact period is the artist’s choice).

Eligibility

Applicants must be-

An individual artist based in Orkney and be available during the residency time period.
In possession of a valid passport.
Working in any arts discipline.
Able to communicate effectively with others and maintain good relationships during the residency.
Prepared to share living space with other residents at ACAC.

The Submission Process

Expression of interest (EOI) application process. Please provide a 500 word summary of you, your idea, or what you would like to achieve during the residency. There is no standard application form. EOI’s should include a brief description of your practice, including images if applicable, the ideas you want
to explore in your residency time, the art form, and content.

Applications can be made using text, video, or audio,
no more than 500 words text / or 4 minutes of video/audio.
You can also send us links to your socials/website.

Submission dates

EOI submissions by 5pm 31st July

Proposed interview dates early Aug TBC

Questions

For any questions about this opportunity please contact Laura Bennison,
Capital Projects Manager at Pier Arts Centre laura.bennison@pierartscentre.com