In 2006, Art Gene was awarded an opportunity to host a 3 month Arts Council International Fellowship during 2007, this opportunity will be awarded to a Japanese Artist. Art Gene’s Artist Founders: Maddi Nicholson and Stuart Bastik undertook a Curatorial visit to Japan – Tokyo and Kyoto and China - Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai and Beijing in February 2007.

Whilst Maddi and Stuart met with a diverse range of artists during their trip, they specifically short-listed those whose work demonstrates a particular interest in the regeneration of the social and built environment.

Mikan, a Japanese Artist/Architect Collective were awarded the Arts Council International Fellowship Residency at Art Gene. The first of the Architects to arrive for the Fellowship at Art Gene was French Architect Manuel Tardits, who was here until 17th November.

The second Architect Kamo Kiwako was at Art Gene until 5th December. Please view Kamo's blogsite at: http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/soleilmylove The third Architect Mashasi Sogabe arrived at Art Gene on 9th December and will be with us until 21st December.

For more information about Mikan's work please visit: http://www.mikan.co.jp/