Long-Term Artistic Creation Grant Program – Category II (Japan)

The Creation Grant Category II [Long Term] provides funding to Tokyo-based arts organizations for long-term creative projects that enhance artistic development and strengthen Tokyo’s cultural identity. Organizations can receive up to 8 million yen for two-year projects and 12 million yen for three-year projects to support performances, exhibitions, research, residencies, and other creative activities across multiple artistic disciplines.

About the Creation Grant Category II [Long Term]

The Creation Grant Category II [Long Term] supports ambitious, multi-year artistic projects that contribute to Tokyo’s cultural development and international reputation.

The programme encourages arts organizations to develop innovative creative activities, strengthen artistic excellence, expand public engagement, and establish Tokyo as a leading global center for arts and culture.

Projects should combine artistic creation with activities that promote learning, collaboration, research, and audience development.

Programme Objectives

The grant aims to:

Support long-term artistic creation.
Strengthen Tokyo’s creative and cultural environment.
Enhance Tokyo’s international cultural presence.
Encourage innovative artistic programs.
Promote public participation in arts and culture.
Support sustainable development of arts organizations.
Foster collaboration, research, and creative experimentation.

Eligible Artistic Fields

Projects may be proposed in the following disciplines:

Music
Theater
Dance
Art
Video
Traditional performing arts
Mixed arts

Projects may combine multiple artistic disciplines where appropriate.

Eligible Project Activities

The programme supports comprehensive artistic projects that include performances and complementary creative activities.

Eligible activities include:

Performances
Concerts
Exhibitions
Film screenings
Artistic research
Workshops
Public lectures
Conferences
Artist residencies
Translation projects
Script or literary readings
Archiving initiatives
Work-in-progress presentations
Public engagement programmes

Projects should demonstrate a strong artistic vision together with meaningful public outreach.

Priority Projects

Priority is given to projects that:

Strengthen long-term artistic development.
Build internationally recognized arts organizations representing Tokyo.
Present innovative artistic programmes.
Demonstrate unique artistic perspectives.
Encourage audience participation.
Increase public access to arts and culture.
Contribute to Tokyo’s cultural attractiveness.

Funding Details

The programme provides the following financial support:

Two-Year Projects

Maximum funding: 8 million yen

Three-Year Projects

Maximum funding: 12 million yen

Funding covers:

Up to 50% of eligible project expenses

Please note:

Final grant amounts may be lower than the amount requested.
Consumption tax and local consumption tax are not eligible for reimbursement.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include organizations headquartered in Tokyo, such as:

Arts organizations
Arts groups
Private theaters
Art spaces
Executive committees
Intermediary support organizations

Applications are accepted regardless of legal status if all programme requirements are satisfied.

Applicant Requirements

Organizations must:

Have headquarters or a principal office in Tokyo.
Include artists, producers, or arts organizations as principal members.
Maintain a formal decision-making structure.
Operate an accounting and internal auditing system.
Have governing regulations or equivalent organizational rules.
Not be established for political or religious purposes.
Be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the project.
Bear responsibility for project costs.
Be established before the application period begins.

For voluntary organizations:

A minimum of three members is required.

Organizations should also have conducted at least one relevant artistic activity in Tokyo during the previous five years.

If an organization has been established within one year before the application period and has no Tokyo activity record, at least one core member or constituent organization must possess equivalent experience.

Ineligible Projects

The following projects are not eligible:

Projects organized or co-organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Projects organized or co-organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture.
Projects already receiving subsidies, grants, commissioned funding, or similar financial support from these organizations.

An exception applies to projects funded under the Tokyo Arts and Culture Appreciation Support Grant, provided that overlapping project expenses are excluded from eligible costs.

Why This Grant Matters

Long-term creative projects often require stable financial support to produce meaningful artistic outcomes.

This grant helps organizations:

Plan multi-year artistic programmes.
Build sustainable creative capacity.
Expand artistic experimentation.
Reach wider audiences.
Increase international recognition.
Strengthen Tokyo’s cultural ecosystem.

By supporting long-term artistic development, the programme contributes to a vibrant and globally competitive creative sector.

How to Apply

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm that your organization:

Is headquartered in Tokyo.
Meets all organizational requirements.
Has the required artistic experience.

Step 2: Develop Your Project

Prepare a long-term artistic programme that includes:

Artistic objectives.
Planned activities.
Public engagement strategy.
Timeline.
Budget.
Expected cultural impact.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Compile all required documentation, including organizational information and project details, as specified in the application guidelines.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete the online application and submit all required documents before the official application deadline.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

Present a clear long-term artistic vision.
Demonstrate strong public engagement.
Explain the project’s cultural significance.
Show organizational capacity to deliver multi-year activities.
Develop a realistic implementation schedule.
Provide a transparent and well-justified budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Submitting projects outside the eligible artistic fields.
Requesting funding for ineligible expenses such as consumption tax.
Providing incomplete organizational information.
Failing to demonstrate relevant artistic experience.
Overlapping expenses with other Tokyo Metropolitan Government grants.
Weak public engagement or outreach strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the Creation Grant Category II [Long Term]?

The programme supports long-term artistic creation and helps strengthen Tokyo’s cultural development through innovative, multi-year creative projects.

2. Who can apply?

Tokyo-based arts organizations, art spaces, theaters, executive committees, and related organizations that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

3. How much funding is available?

Organizations may receive:

Up to 8 million yen for two-year projects.
Up to 12 million yen for three-year projects.

4. What artistic fields are eligible?

Eligible disciplines include music, theater, dance, art, video, traditional performing arts, and mixed arts.

5. Can research and workshops be included?

Yes. Research, workshops, conferences, artist residencies, translations, archiving, lectures, and work-in-progress presentations are eligible as part of a comprehensive artistic programme.

6. Are organizations receiving other Tokyo government grants eligible?

Generally, no. However, projects funded through the Tokyo Arts and Culture Appreciation Support Grant may be eligible if overlapping expenses are excluded.

7. What percentage of project costs does the grant cover?

The programme funds up to 50% of eligible project expenses.

Conclusion

The Creation Grant Category II [Long Term] provides significant support for Tokyo-based arts organizations seeking to develop ambitious multi-year creative programmes. By funding artistic production, research, public engagement, and cultural innovation, the programme strengthens Tokyo’s position as an internationally recognized center for arts and culture while supporting sustainable artistic growth and long-term creative excellence.