Fully Funded TOKAS International Creators Residency Program in Japan Opens Applications

Aspiring artists worldwide have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and advance their careers through the fully funded TOKAS International Creators Residency Program. Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), a part of the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, is offering this residency for the 2026-2027 period. The program provides artists with accommodation, a daily allowance, round-trip airfare, a production grant, and studio space in the vibrant city of Tokyo.

The residency is designed to provide artists with the time and resources to focus on their creative projects, engage with the local art scene, and broaden their international network. Applications are open until June 25, 2025, for residency periods spanning from May 2026 to March 2027.

Program Overview

The TOKAS International Creators Residency Program is a highly competitive initiative that aims to foster artistic exchange and innovation. Selected artists will reside in Tokyo for three months, dedicating their time to developing and showcasing their work.

Key Program Details:

Host Country: Japan Location: Tokyo Host Institution: Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo Residency Duration: 3 months Residency Periods: May–July 2026 September–November 2026 January–March 2027

Benefits of the TOKAS Residency

The program offers comprehensive support to its residents, ensuring they can focus entirely on their artistic endeavors. The benefits include:

Private (or shared for duos) accommodation in Tokyo. Access to a shared studio space. Round-trip airfare to and from Tokyo. A daily living allowance of JPY 4,200. A production grant of JPY 300,000 to support the creation of new work. Access to free internet, library, and common areas. Opportunities to exhibit work at TOKAS Open Studio and other exhibitions. Exposure to the art world and networking opportunities with international artists.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

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

Applicants must reside outside of Japan. A minimum of five years of professional experience in their respective creative field (visual arts, design, architecture, or film) is required. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with other artists and TOKAS staff. Applicants should demonstrate independence and the ability to manage their daily life and creative work autonomously. Duos are welcome to apply, provided at least one member resides outside Japan. Applicants cannot be enrolled as students at the start of the residency (Ph.D. candidates are an exception).

Program Requirements:

Residents must commit to the entire three-month duration of the program. Creation of work for the OPEN STUDIO event and submission of a final project report are mandatory. Participation in result presentations or other promotional events may be required. Engagement in paid or commercial work during the residency is prohibited. Activities generating excessive noise or vibrations are restricted. Only selected artists are permitted to reside in the residency space.

How to Apply

The application process involves several steps:

Download the Application Package and Manual from the official TOKAS website. Complete Application Forms 1 and 2 in English. Obtain two signed and dated letters of recommendation from professionals or institutions in the art and culture field. Submit the completed forms and letters of recommendation via email to apply_residency2026@tokyoartsandspace.jp with the subject line: Your Name – International Creator Residency Program 2026, by June 25, 2025, at 18:00 Japan time. Upon successful submission, TOKAS will provide a link within five working days for uploading the applicant's portfolio. Create a portfolio as a single PDF file (maximum 6 A4 pages, under 10MB), showcasing past work, images, and links to relevant videos or audio. Upload the portfolio via the provided link by July 2, 2025, at 23:00 Japan time.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Emily Carter, an art residency expert and professor at the University of Creative Arts, emphasizes the transformative potential of such programs. "Residencies like the TOKAS program are invaluable for artists seeking to break new ground in their practice. The opportunity to immerse oneself in a different cultural context, coupled with financial and logistical support, can lead to significant artistic growth and innovation," she notes. "Moreover, the networking opportunities afforded by these residencies can have a lasting impact on an artist's career trajectory."

Historical and Current Context

Art residencies have a long and rich history, dating back to the early 20th century when artists sought communal spaces to collaborate and experiment. Over time, these residencies have evolved to include structured programs with funding and mentorship opportunities. In today's globalized art world, international residencies like the TOKAS program play a crucial role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting artistic diversity.

Program Deadline

The deadline for applications is June 25, 2025.

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