Fully Funded TOKAS International Creators Residency Program Opens Applications for 2026-2027 Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), a program of the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, is now accepting applications for its prestigious International Creators Residency Program for the 2026-2027 sessions. This fully funded residency offers artists across various disciplines the opportunity to live and work in Tokyo for three months, fostering cultural exchange and artistic development.

An Opportunity to Immerse in Japanese Art and Culture The TOKAS residency provides selected artists with accommodation, a daily living stipend, round-trip airfare, a project grant, and shared studio space. Participants are expected to dedicate their time to their artistic practice and engage with the local art scene through open studio events and exhibitions. The program aims to provide a supportive environment for artists to focus solely on their creative work, free from financial constraints.

Residency Details and Timeline The residency program is divided into three sessions across 2026 and 2027:

May–July 2026 September–November 2026 January–March 2027

Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the TOKAS International Creators Residency Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Reside outside of Japan. Possess a minimum of five years of professional experience in their respective creative field (visual arts, design, architecture, film, etc.). Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency for effective communication. Possess the ability to work independently and manage their daily life and creative work. Not be enrolled as a student at the time the residency begins (Ph.D. candidates are an exception).

Application Process and Deadline Interested applicants must download the Application Package and Manual from the official TOKAS website and carefully follow the instructions. The application requires completing two forms in English and submitting two signed and dated letters of recommendation from professionals or institutions in the art and culture field. All application materials must be emailed to apply_residency2026@tokyoartsandspace.jp with the subject line “Your Name – International Creator Residency Program 2026” by 18:00 Japan time on June 25, 2025.

Following the submission of the initial documents, successful applicants will receive a link to upload their portfolio as a single PDF file (maximum 6 A4 pages, under 10MB) by July 2, 2025, at 23:00 Japan time. The portfolio should showcase examples of past work, images, and links to relevant videos or audio.

The Value of International Residencies: An Expert Perspective Dr. Emily Carter, an art historian specializing in international artist residencies at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes the significance of programs like TOKAS. "International residencies provide artists with invaluable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and artistic growth. They offer a space for experimentation, reflection, and the development of new perspectives. The TOKAS program, with its comprehensive funding and focus on Japanese culture, stands out as a particularly enriching experience for artists seeking to expand their horizons."

Historical Context of Artist Residencies Artist residencies have a long and varied history, evolving from patronage-based systems to structured programs supporting contemporary artists. The modern residency model gained momentum in the mid-20th century, aiming to provide artists with dedicated time and resources to advance their practice. The TOKAS program builds on this tradition, adapting it to the unique context of Tokyo's vibrant art scene.

Broader Implications for Artistic Development Beyond the immediate benefits of funding and studio space, the TOKAS residency offers a platform for artists to connect with a global network of peers and industry professionals. Participation in open studio events and exhibitions provides exposure to new audiences and opportunities for critical feedback, furthering their artistic development. The immersion in Japanese culture also presents a unique opportunity to explore new themes, techniques, and perspectives, potentially shaping the artist's work in profound ways.

Program Requirements and Expectations Selected artists are required to remain at the residency for the entire three-month duration and are expected to create work for the OPEN STUDIO event and submit a final report on their project. They may also be invited to participate in presentations or other promotional events organized by TOKAS. Engaging in any paid or commercial work during the residency is prohibited, and activities that generate excessive noise or vibrations are not permitted. The residency space is exclusively for the selected artist; guests are not allowed to stay on the premises.

Deadline Reminder The deadline to apply for the TOKAS International Creators Residency Program is June 25, 2025.