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Database of Japanese Artist-in-Residence Programs
Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, Aomori Public College

Aomori Contemporary Art Centre,
Aomori Public College





Contact Details	152-6 Yamazaki, Goshizawa, Aomori, Aomori Prefecture 030-0134 Japan
	TEL	+ 81-17-764-5200
	FAX	+ 81-17-764-5201
	E MAIL	acac-air@acac-aomori.jp
	URL	http://www.acac-aomori.jp/en/index.html
Contact	Teiko HINUMA, Yuki KONDO, Hiroyuki HATTORI

Administrative
Organization

Aomori Public College

Administrative Bodies

Aomori Public College

Facility Name

Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, Aomori Public College

Facility Address

152-6 Yamazaki, Goshizawa , Aomori, Aomori Prefecture 030-0134

Facility Description

The facility is built in the woods of Aomori Public College located in the suburbs of Aomori City, with the area of 33.5ha.

(1)

Exhibition Hall: Ferroconcrete, 2 floors (1,624.60 sq. m.)
(Exhibition gallery A & B, sub-galleries, AV room, etc.)

(2)

Creative Hall: Ferroconcrete, part of the building constructed of steel-frame and ferroconcrete, 1 floor (1,004.40 sq. m.)
(Workshop studios, woodwork studio, AV room.)

(3)

Residential Hall: Ferroconcrete, part of the building constructed of steel-frame and ferroconcrete, 1 floor (583.20 sq. m.)
(8 single rooms, 2 twin rooms, dining room, meeting rooms, etc.)

Access

By bus: From JR “Aomori” station, take the Aomori Public College Line (municipal and JR buses available) and get off at “Aomori Public College” bus stop (approximately 40 minutes); the facility is 3-minute walk from the bus stop.

History

The plan for Aomori Contemporary Art Centre was first initiated in response to “Our City Aomori - A Creative Plan for the 21st Century,” a cultural policy drafted by the City of Aomori in March 1996. The facility was designated in 1998 as one of projects to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city's incorporation.
Milestones:
FY1998 Basic concept was drafted and Goji Hamada was appointed as Director.
FY1999 In April, Art Plaza ARIA was established to prepare the programs; in November, Tadao ANDO was selected the competition for architectural design; in December, the consignment agreement was signed.
FY2000 Building construction commenced and, in October, the pre-event International Artists-in-Residence Aomori "Puddles waterfront" was held.
FY2001 In October, the building was completed; in December, the facility were officially opened.

FY 2009 In April, the administrative body was transferred to Aomori Public College.

Year of Program
Commencement

2001

Program Objectives

In response to the diversified and sophisticated needs of the local community, Aomori City aims to provide: opportunities for appreciating art and participating in artistic activities; promote creation and diffusion of art and culture that meets international standards; and support such activities by establishing policies instrumental to creating innovative art. The City envisions developing a creative community based on the unique features of Aomori. In this context, the artist-in-residence program, which supports artists’ creative activities, is a core program that enables the creation of new culture and nurtures interest in local culture among the local residents. Exhibitions and workshops are organized to provide opportunities for artists and the local residents to meet and experience cross-cultural exchange.

Program Activities

(1)	Artists-in-residence program
(2)	Exhibitions, symposia, seminars, workshops and other events, planned separately from the residency program
(3)	Information service on arts and culture through publication of periodicals and website
(4)	Rental service of the facilities


Focus Area(s)	Visual arts, performance art, music, design, crafts, etc.
Residency Period	About 2 months
Number of Resident Artists	About 8 artists: 4 artists by recommendation and 4 artists by open call
Provisions	Traveling expense: Available Production fee: Available Studio: Available Living expense: Available Accommodations: Available Professional and staff support: Available Opportunities for presentation/exhibitions: Available Publication and distribution of program report: Available
Application Procedure	Recommendation (spring program, from mid-April to the end of June) Open call (autumn program, from mid-September to the end of November)
Selection Process	Selection committee *Committee members (as of 2006): Yusuke NAKAHARA, Tadayasu SAKAI, Akira OZAWA, Yoshiaki NISHINO, Kenichi SATO, Goji HAMADA
Achievements and Outcomes	・Two annual programs to accept artists (by recommendation in spring program and by open call in autumn program) have been provided since FY 2002 *Achievements: Our Artist-in-Residence program system is already rooted as a center of creative activities based on the resources of community, nature, and culture of Aomori. In addition to the creative activities by artists, exchange with local community, educational activities, and voluntary activities are organized and interconnected. As of 2009, the Aomori Contemporary Art Centre has counted over 100 artists, who have participated in the residency programs as well as other workshops and exhibitions. The program’s commitment in supporting artists’ career has produced positive results, as demonstrated in their participation in local and international exhibitions, as well as in the various art and research projects following their residency.