Kyoto is one of the world’s leading cultural cities, where many sources of Japanese culture continue to live and breathe. Since ancient times, Kyoto has flourished as a city of craftsmanship, forming its own unique culture while embracing foreign ideas and influences introduced through the Silk Road. Even in the modern era, Kyoto artists such as Takeuchi Seihō actively incorporated elements of Western art, creating new forms of Nihonga painting and cultural expression.

Against this historical background, GENETO ART FOUNDATION operates an Artist-in-Residence program that invites artists from overseas to Kyoto. Through the encounter of different cultures and values, the program aims to foster new artistic expressions and meaningful cultural dialogue.

This residency will be held in collaboration with Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During their stay, participating artists will create new works while experiencing the philosophy and spirituality of Japanese Buddhism, as well as the history and aesthetics of Japanese culture, with Enryaku-ji Temple as the central setting. The completed works will be exhibited at Enryaku-ji Temple for a limited period, presented within a space shaped by history, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

no.2 is an Artist-in-Residence space located near Higashiyama Sanjo in Kyoto, renovated from a traditional machiya townhouse approximately 100 years old. The interior was reconstructed in white while preserving the original beams, transforming the building into “architecture as a vessel for artworks.” The first floor is intended as a studio, and the second floor as a living space, although the use of the space is ultimately left to each artist.

By welcoming artists from around the world to create while experiencing Kyoto’s culture and spirituality, no.2 aims to become a new base for cultural exchange and artistic expression.