Built in 1992 by architect Katō Kunio ( 加 藤 邦 男 ),[1] and initiated by the Société de rapprochement intellectuel franco-japonais, Villa Kujoyama is today one of the oldest and most prestigious French residency programs in Asia.

It helps them to achieve their projects by putting them in contact with local operators with artistic, cultural, academic and economic backgrounds, and organizes partnerships for the diffusion of their work during and after the residency.

The various branches of the network of the French Institute of Japan also organize events that are an opportunity to diffuse the work of residents to a Francophile public through conferences, performances and exhibitions.

In Val-d'Oise, the contemporary art center of the Maubuisson Abbey allows artists to finalize their creations begun during their residency at the Villa, by providing them with a workshop and curatorial and/ or logistical accompaniment33.

Created in 2016 to allow the restitution of their works by the artists returning from residence, it takes place from 2023, from a call for projects intended to cultural institutions established on the French territory 34.

Villa Kujoyama, constructed in 1992, is the result of an earlier project dating back to 1926 when Paul Claudel held the position of the French Ambassador to Japan.

[6],[7] The original concept was to establish a cultural center in the Kansai region, and with the support of Katsutaro Inabata 稲畑勝太郎 (1862-1949), who was then the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Osaka, the project came to fruition.

[9] The Franco-Japanese Intellectual Exchange Society ensured the supervision of this new Institute, constructed with Japanese funds, while the functioning and cultural programming were taken care of by the French government.

Consequently, the demolition of the site was decided in 1981, and the Franco-Japanese Intellectual Exchange Society gathered funds to cover the costs of the building's destruction.

Katō Kunio crafted his vision at the crossroads of French and Japanese cultures, choosing to blend both "rigor of modular composition and freedom in the arrangement of spaces" into the design.

[17] On the other hand, the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation also played a crucial role by committing to support Villa Kujoyama over three years, financing both its operations and artistic and cultural activities.

Nicolas Pinon (2022), Mona Oren (2022), Fanny Boucher (2023), and Grégoire Scalabre (2023) are the laureates of the Liliane Bettencourt Prize for the Intelligence of the Hand® who have resided at Villa Kujoyama.

The 5 years following the end of the residency, known as the post-residency period, allow artists to showcase their work in venues across France or to extend their experience in Japan with the support of Villa Kujoyama's partner institutions.

This event provides a platform for the residents to exhibit their works not only within the premises of Villa Kujoyama but also in various other partner locations, enhancing their visibility and cultural exchange opportunities.

[30],[31] Additionally, in the Val-d'Oise region, the contemporary art center of the Abbaye de Maubuisson offers artists a dedicated workspace and provides curatorial and logistical support, enabling them to complete the projects initiated during their stay at Villa Kujoyama.

[34] This expansion was prompted by the desire of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation to showcase creators and artisans on a global scale, while also ensuring the preservation and transmission of the expertise of craftsmanship in both countries.

As a unique space solely devoted to contemporary creation and crafts, it serves as an instrument of influence and dissemination of French excellence and know-how.

The inclusion of crafts in the program in Kyoto, a city known for its rich artisanal heritage spanning centuries, holds great significance and relevance for both French and Japanese participants.

The goal is to anchor the program in the Kyoto region and facilitate exchanges in a city that has mastered the art of combining traditional practices with contemporary activities.

In line with this vision, the foundation actively seeks, selects, supports, accompanies, and showcases individuals who are shaping the world of tomorrow in three key areas: life sciences, arts, and solidarity.