swiss design association

For the first time, a Swiss (based) designer was offered the chance to spend 3 months in the world-renowned porcelain town of Arita, Japan, to develop his or her own ceramic design project in collaboration with local artisans. The programme is hosted by Arita Town & Saga Prefecture and sponsored by the Swiss government. In collaboration with the Swiss Embassy in Japan, the jury members were SDA board member Heinz Caflisch (OKRO Design & Craft) Augustin Scott de Martinville (BIG GAME), and David Glaettli.

Among the 40 applications, Carlo Clopath was chosen to take up the residency. He will spend three months in Arita to produce prototypes of his own original design that the local craftsmen could produce. During the residency, participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in the local environment and foster exchange with the local craftsmen and the wider community, which can be used as a source of inspiration for their project in Arita. Besides the design aspect, the organisers expect designers to show a hands-on approach and actively engage in the production process of the prototype(s). After completing the 3-month programme, participants will be provided with the opportunity to present their work locally in Arita and are supported to present the outcomes afterwards in Tokyo and/or Switzerland.

Creative Residency Arita (CRA) is an international artist-in-residence programme organised by Arita Town and Saga Prefecture, Japan. With ceramic production as the focal point, the programme offers support for creators from various backgrounds in order to engage in creative activities whilst being presented with the opportunity to interact with local residents and paired with highly skilled potters and craftsmen to collaborate artistically together.

Further information about Arita Residency