Purpose of the Program
The Aomori Contemporary Art Centre (ACAC), Aomori Public University opened in December 2001 as an artistic institution centered on an ‘Artist in Residence’ (AIR) program. We invite to our facility artists who play an active part in the field of contemporary art. During the residency period, we hold an exhibition and various exchange programs to contribute to the creative life. Through creative activities, workshops, and lectures by the artist, the aim of the program is to help the audience gain a deeper understanding of art and to promote international exchange.
Therefore, on this AIR program, our aim is not only to support the artist whilst he creates his /her work, but also to use the program as a tool with which to educate the local audience about art. Through the encounters and the interaction between the artists and people in Aomori a new creative space will be born.

Program Title: “(MO)TION”
Whether we realize it or not, the world is made up of motion and is in a continual state of change.

When our bodies are moved—either by some external force or of our own volition—the reality of that motion is itself a change. Similarly, the motion of blood as it courses through our veins is also a clear example of change, though we may be unconscious of it. Even feelings and emotions may also serve to move us. When we consider that the elementary particles that make up all things are in a constant state of motion, we witness the same movement in both the natural environment and in artificial objects. The motions of humanity and the environment intertwine to form society and create history. As words such as inspiration, migration, motivation, vibration, and revelation illustrate, every change must exact a motion, either perceptible and imperceptible, just as every motion is a change in and of itself.

We must decipher these motions in order to understand the future and make sense of things that have yet to be explained. Imagine the possibilities if we could grasp all manner of motions—not only those that are obvious and perceptible, but also those uncertain movements that evade our perception.

Artists, through their work, allow us to notice these delicate movements and often tell of larger changes that have yet to come. They move our hearts and our minds, sometimes through quiet warnings—other times, with prosperous proposals.

In the Autumn 2018 AIR Program, we listen to the motion that exist in all things and extend an invitation to artists who can communicate the possibilities that lie within them

How to Apply 
Applicants are required to submit by post the documents listed by the due date. Please follow the instructions detailed when filling in applications.

Screening and Notification 
The judges (2 outside experts) and curators of ACAC will strictly screen all applicants. The applicants will be informed of the final decision at the beginning of July, 2018.

Schedule 
Period of stay : September 6 – December 14
(*Until September 9, other AIR exhibition is held.)
Meeting : September 19 (scheduled)
Exhibition : October 27 — December 9
Installing : September 20 — October 25
Opening Gallery Talk : October 27
Lecture, Workshop : on weekends
Exchange program for school : on weekdays
*The schedule for lectures or workshops will be finalized after due consideration.

[Working, Exhibition (presentation) and the Exchange Program]
THE ARTIST should participate in the presentation of artwork and in the exchange program (outlined in another paragraph) during the residency.

–Production expenses*
THE ORGANIZER will provide 250,000JPY in production expenses, in which is included fees for material, employment, research, transportation, display and putting away of exhibition etc (provided that THE ORGANIZER accepts their necessity).

–Expenses for Art Exchange Program*
THE ORGANIZER will provide 75,000JPY as an expense for the art exchange program.

–Studio
THE ORGANIZER will provide the artists with a studio in the Creative Hall and with display space in the Exhibition Hall in ACAC. (during the program period only)
THE ARTIST must share the studio with other artists.

–Care of Studio
THE ORGANIZER will sweep the studio regularly, but THE ARTIST should keep his or her own studio clean. When THE ARTIST leaves ACAC, THE ARTIST should return the studio to its original condition.

–Exhibition
*The location of each exhibition and the final contents of the work proposal must be decided after due consultation between ACAC (curators and director) and THE ARTIST.
*In principle, THE ARTIST should exhibit his or her work by him or herself and care and maintain his or her own work by him or herself during the exhibition.
*THE ORGANIZER should prepare any materials necessary for presentation (panels, explanatory captions, etc) of the artwork for the audience. Decisions on any such materials shall be made after due consultation between THE ARTIST and ACAC.
*Our gallery has no partitions, and sound loud and echoing.  Requires some adjustment, if THE ARTIST would like to use sound or light.

–Handling of the Works after the Exhibition
The works must be temporary. THE ARTIST should be able to dismantle his or her works by him or herself after the exhibition. Should the artist wish to take that work produced during the residency back home, THE ARTIST must pack his or her work alone and pay any expenses involved in packing and shipping.

–Exchange Program
THE ARTIST must participate in the following exchange programs:
*Artist Talk (Gallery Talk)
*Lecture, Workshop
THE ORGANIZER will provide and pay the cost for any materials used in such exchange programs.