2025-2026 Artist-in-Residence Grant Program

Stefan Zsaitsis' "The Drawing Cafe"

On behalf of the Edeiken International Arts Foundation (EIAF) panel, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the artists who applied for the inaugural 2025-2026 Artist-in-Residence (AiR) Program at 7artscafe. The overwhelming response—filled with creativity, vision, and passion—has been truly inspiring. It is both an honor and a privilege to witness such a diverse array of artistic voices eager to be part of this residency.

After much deliberation, we are thrilled to announce that the recipient of the EIAF 2025-2026 AiR Program at 7artscafe is Stefan Zsaitsits for his project, "The Drawing Cafe."

His proposal beautifully aligns with the core mission of 7artscafe—fostering artistic expression, cultural exchange, and community engagement. "The Drawing Cafe" envisions an interactive, ever-evolving creative space, inviting visitors to take part in spontaneous artistic dialogue much like the historic Viennese coffee houses and the dynamic cultural exchange of Yokohama’s port heritag

His proposal stood out for several key reasons:          

1. Embracing the Spirit of Creative Exchange
By inviting visitors and artists to engage in spontaneous, unrestricted drawing, "The Drawing Cafe" mirrors the intellectual and artistic dialogues that have historically flourished in coffee houses and port cities. This project taps into 7artscafe’s unique energy, fostering artistic conversations that transcend language and cultural barriers.

2. Art That Is Inclusive and Accessible
No specialized skills or training are required—only a willingness to participate. By eliminating barriers to artistic expression and making materials freely available, "The Drawing Cafe" welcomes guests from all backgrounds, reinforcing our belief that creativity should be open to all.      

3. A Living, Evolving Exhibition
The ongoing display of guest-created drawings forms an organic, ever-changing visual narrative that embodies the essence of collaboration. This dynamic installation ensures that every visitor contributes to a collective artistic story, making 7artscafe not just a venue but a shared creative experience.

4. Community Engagement Beyond the Residency
The planned drawing exchange—where guest submissions are entered into a raffle—ensures that the project’s impact extends beyond its duration. Additionally, the inclusion of local artists through donated works or collaborative workshops cements "The Drawing Cafe" as a space for long-term artistic dialogue within the community.

5. An Interactive, Evolving Workshop Model
Instead of structured workshops, the artist’s presence at a communal table fosters organic interactions, creating a welcoming space for discussion and participation. The flexibility of incorporating guest artists—such as manga illustrators or sumi-e practitioners—makes the project adaptable and appealing to a broad audience.

6. A Perfect Match for 7artscafe’s Vision
At its core, 7artscafe is a meeting place for ideas, creativity, and cultural exchange—values that "The Drawing Cafe" embodies seamlessly. This project not only enhances the cafe’s artistic atmosphere but also strengthens its role as a cultural landmark where people come together to share, create, and be inspired.

Stefan Zsaitsits’ "The Drawing Cafe" will further enrich 7artscafe’s role as a creative hub—deepening engagement, sparking new artistic dialogues, and continuing to transform the space into a dynamic ecosystem of imagination and collaboration.

See Stefan Zsaitsits’ "The Drawing Cafe Project Proposal Here        

See Stefan Zsaitsits' The Drawing Cafe Project Final Report Here      

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2025-2026 AiR Program Information

Overview
7artscafe is proud to announce the Artist-in-Residence Grant Program, a special initiative supported by the Edeiken International Arts Foundation (EIAF). EIAF was established in 2021 by Dr. Nicole Edeiken, an American philanthropist with a deep passion for Japan and the arts. Throughout her career, Dr. Edeiken has been dedicated to supporting artists, driven by her belief in art's power to unite people.
The Artist-in-Residence Program @7artscafe offers visual and musical artists from around the world a one-month residency at 7artscafe in Yokohama, Japan. It aims to promote global collaboration, enrich the local community, and celebrate cultural diversity through art.

Objectives
・Cultural Exchange: Foster meaningful interactions between local and international artists to exchange techniques, ideas, and cultural perspectives.
・Artistic Development: Offer a supportive environment where artists can experiment, create, and develop new works inspired by their time in Yokohama.
・Community Engagement: Engage the 7artscafe community in the artistic process, promoting collaboration and enriching Yokohama’s cultural landscape.

Eligibility Criteria
・Artistic Discipline: Open to visual and musical artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, musicians, and others working in these fields.
・Experience Level: Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience, regardless of whether they are emerging or established artists.
・Nationality: Open to artists who live or are based outside of Japan, with preference given to those whose work engages global themes or incorporates cross-cultural influences.
・Residency Structure: The program is designed for one individual artist only per residency period. We are unable to accommodate two applicants or collaborative applications, as the residency is intended to provide space and resources for a single artist to focus on their creative work independently.
・Rotation: For this 2025 grant cycle (April 2025-March 2026), only visual artists are eligible. 

Application Process
This is now closed.

2025-2026 Program Activities
During their one-month residency in Yokohama, artists are expected to participate in activities agreed upon by both the artist and 7artscafe, including:
・Workshops: Lead 2-3 workshops that encourage skill-sharing and collaboration at 7artscafe during their residency.
・Exhibition or Performance: Present their work through a final exhibition or select performance at the end of their residency offering opportunities for public engagement and feedback.
・Artist’s Final Report: Artists must submit a final report by the end of the third week, summarizing their experiences, artistic progress, and community interactions. This free-form report will help evaluate the residency’s impact on both the artist and the Yokohama community, contributing to future program improvements.