Tokyo seen from the balcony of the Québec studio.


The Conseil des arts et des lettres (CALQ) wishes to participate in the initiative launched by the Québec government to broaden the presence of Québec artists in the world’s most dynamic cultural milieus. It is pleased to expand its network of residences abroad offered to Québec artists and writers and to collaborate in the establishment of the Québec Studio in Tokyo. 

There is a longstanding, special relationship between Québec and Japanese artists in the realms of the performing arts, literature and the visual and media arts. Québec artists visit Japan not only to present their work but to seek inspiration in Japanese culture and to give a new resonance to their work.

Tokyo is the gateway to Asia and is the biggest market for cultural products on the continent. The city acts as a catalyst and a showcase for Western culture in Asia. The Japanese public is curious and displays considerable interest in foreign works. Moreover, professional artists in Tokyo are clearly interested in the Québec arts scene.

The Tokyo residence enables Québec artists and writers to engage in a significant experience in their professional development. The living environment and contacts with other artists create conditions favourable to the development of creativity and of artistic approaches, indeed to the enhancement of the artists’ international profiles.


Artistic fields 
Architectural research and urban planning, arts and crafts, circus arts, dance, literature and storytelling, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, popular song, theatre and visual arts


Target applicants
Artists and writers with over 10 years of artistic practice. 


Location
The Tokyo studio-apartment is located in the Roppongi district, in the center of the Japanese capital. Artists are already present in this district which is readily accessible by public transportation. The furnished and equipped apartment offers residents a living and work space suited to a stimulating period of self-renewal.


Length of stay and amount of the grant
Six months, from January to June 2013 or from July to December 2013.

The amount of the grant is $21 400.


Registration deadline
April 1, 2012


Additional information
This studio has been made available through the collaboration of the ministère des Relations internationales and the Québec Government Office in Tokyo, the ministère des Relations internationales and the ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine.

Contact information for Québec government delegations, offices and field offices abroad is available on the Website of the ministère des Relations internationales.


Québec artists who have resided in the Québec Studio in Tokyo
Josée Dubeau (2008 visual arts), Catherine Bolduc (2009 visual arts), Jean-François Laporte (2009 music), Sylvie Cotton (2011 visual arts), Pierre Samson (2011 literature)



Building housing the studio. Balcony of the studio.


The living room. (Photo: Josée Dubeau)



The kitchenette and part of the living room.



General information and application form pertaining to the Studio and studio-apartments grant program.