Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The Tokyo Arts and Space International Creator Residency Program is inviting applications from international creators working in visual arts, design, and architecture to undertake a three-month creative residency in Tokyo.
The programme supports artistic research, international creative exchange, collaborative practice, and residency-based creative work, with outcomes presented during the OPEN STUDIO event.
Focus Areas
The residency supports:
- Visual arts
- Design
- Architecture
- Artistic research
- International cultural exchange
- Collaborative creative practices
- Public presentation and engagement
Participants are encouraged to:
- Develop new creative work in Tokyo
- Engage with local and international artistic communities
- Present residency outcomes through OPEN STUDIO
Residency Support
Selected participants will receive:
- Shared studio-style single-room accommodation
- Twin-bedded room accommodation for duo participants
- Round-trip economy-class airfare
- Daily living allowance of JPY 4,200
- Work/project fee of JPY 300,000
The programme covers:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Daily living support
- Creative project support
Residency Periods
The residency will take place during:
- May – July 2027
- September – November 2027
- January – March 2028
Residency duration:
- 3 months
A total of:
- 6 creators will be selected
- 2 creators will participate in each residency cycle
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- International creators
- Artists
- Designers
- Architects
There is:
- No age limit
Applicants completing a master’s degree may apply if:
- They are no longer students during participation
- They have at least 5 years of professional experience
Duo Applications
Creators may apply as a duo if:
- They have prior collaborative experience
Duo applicants must submit:
- One joint portfolio
- At least one collaborative project
- Two additional individual projects
- Portfolio within six pages
Recommendation letters must:
- Recommend the duo jointly
- Not recommend individuals separately
Eligibility Restrictions
The following are not eligible:
- Previous participants of the International Creator Residency Program
- Previous participants of the Local Creator Residency Program
However:
- Participants from other TOKAS residency programmes may apply again
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Prepare a creative project proposal
- Explain the relevance of Tokyo to the project
- Submit a professional portfolio
- Demonstrate artistic experience and achievements
- Submit the application according to programme guidelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting incomplete portfolios
- Applying as a duo without collaborative experience
- Ignoring portfolio page limits
- Providing weak project concepts
- Applying without sufficient professional experience
FAQ
- Who can apply for the residency?
- International creators working in visual arts, design, and architecture.
- What financial support is provided?
- Participants receive airfare, accommodation, a JPY 4,200 daily allowance, and a JPY 300,000 project fee.
- How long is the residency?
- The residency lasts for 3 months.
- Can creators apply as a duo?
- Yes, creators with previous collaborative experience may apply jointly.
- Is there an age limit?
- No, there is no age limit for applicants.
Conclusion
The Tokyo Arts and Space International Creator Residency Program provides international artists, designers, and architects with an opportunity to develop creative work in Tokyo through a fully supported residency experience. The programme promotes artistic exchange, collaborative practice, and public engagement through research, creation, and presentation activities.
For more information, visit Tokyo Arts and Space.