In this artist-in-residence program, up-and-coming contemporary artists take part in an exchange between Osaka and four European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, UK). Support is provided to enable them to live and produce their work over a three-month period during which they experience life in a foreign country and make use of local materials to create their work. 

Originally launched in 1992 as a collaborative program between Osaka Prefecture, the Goethe-Institut Osaka, and the City of Dusseldorf, beginning in 1994, with the cooperation of the Centre Franco-Japonais -Alliance Francaise d'Osaka, the British Council, and the Flanders Center, the program expanded to include a total of four foreign countries. Close to 40 Japanese and European artists have participated so far, and by expanding the exchanges in each of the local areas, the art network connecting Europe and Osaka has grown increasingly wider and more fertile. (The participating artists from Osaka are selected based on a public application process.)

The artist Yoshihara Jiro's creative philosophy can be summed up by the words he constantly used to exhort his followers in the Gutai art group: "Don't copy anyone! Do something that's never been done before!" Based on this sentiment, this project strives for create opportunities for artists to further pursue qualities which Yoshihara valued in art such as adventure and experimentalism. The artists and art coordinators who are selected for the project spend a period of some two years working at a studio in Osaka as part of this practical program to explore methods of presenting one's creative expressions to society in a broader and deeper way.

This application-based exhibition is designed to present the work of amateur painters. All of the works that are submitted are shown and awards such as the Osaka Governor's Prize and others are provided by each of the corporate sponsors.

Using the participatory format of the workshop, this project sets out to foster children's rich creative instincts and strengthen their cultural capabilities. In addition, through art, the program aims to develop and improve children's fundamental ability (literacy) to "see, read, and listen."

To introduce prefectural residents to a wider range of contemporary art works from the Osaka Prefectural collection, the Osaka Prefecture Contemporary Art Collection (Osaka Prefecture Collection Exhibition) is held at the Center and other venues.

Osaka Prefecture maintains a collection of approximately 7,600 art works. The works in this exhibition are selected according to a changing theme in this on-line display of art. 

This exhibition serves to rediscover the charms of works in the Osaka Prefecture collection (stock) through collaborations between artists who are active in a variety of genres.

This annual exhibition of works by infants and students of schools for the disabled located in Osaka Prefecture helps the participants discover new possibilities. It also raises the children's awareness and motivation to participate socially and deepens the society's understanding of disabled people. (This event is co-sponsored by the Osaka Council of Art and Education for Schools for the Disabled and the Osaka Board of Education.)

Art continues to grow ever more diverse and there are a variety of ways in which people can interact with art. Published quarterly, the cultural-information magazine “

“plug” introduces the latest developments in the art world from a unique perspective. Along with special features, each issue includes art columns and information about events at the Osaka Contemporary Art Center. In a word, the magazine keeps you plugged into the various art scene in Kansai area. Along with the Center, “plug” is freely available at prefectural cultural and educational facilities, museums around the country, galleries, and selected train stations. Pick up your copy today!