Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The FY2026 Grant for Accessibility, launched by Arts Council Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, supports initiatives that improve accessibility in arts and cultural activities across Tokyo. The programme funds accessibility measures for performances, exhibitions, and cultural events to help create a more inclusive society where everyone can participate in and enjoy arts and culture.
Eligible organizations can receive subsidies of up to 1.5 million yen for accessibility-related expenses connected to public cultural activities held in Tokyo.
Overview of the Grant
The FY2026 Grant for Accessibility supports organizations working to improve audience accessibility and inclusive participation in arts and cultural events.
The initiative focuses on making performances, exhibitions, and cultural programmes more accessible for diverse audiences while also strengthening organizational understanding of accessibility and inclusive cultural practices.
The programme is implemented by Arts Council Tokyo together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve accessibility in arts and cultural activities
- Support inclusive audience experiences
- Encourage appreciation support measures
- Strengthen organizational accessibility awareness
- Promote leadership in inclusive arts practices
- Increase participation in cultural activities across diverse communities
Supported Artistic Fields
Eligible projects may include activities related to:
- Music
- Theater
- Dance
- Fine arts
- Photography
- Film and media arts
- Manga and anime
- Games and digital arts
- Traditional performing arts
- Tea ceremony
- Flower arrangement
- Calligraphy
- Interdisciplinary arts activities
What the Grant Supports
The programme supports accessibility-related measures connected to public arts and cultural presentations.
Examples may include:
- Accessibility support for audiences
- Inclusive viewing and participation assistance
- Accessibility communication tools
- Audience appreciation support services
- Accessibility improvements for performances and exhibitions
The focus is on improving access to arts and cultural experiences.
Funding Details
Maximum Grant Amount
Organizations may receive:
- Up to 1.5 million yen
The funding covers actual accessibility-related expenses connected to eligible projects.
Eligible Project Period
Multiple performances, exhibitions, or cultural events conducted within the approved project period may be included in one application.
What Projects Are Not Eligible?
The programme does not support projects primarily focused on:
- Participation support as the main activity
- Viewing tours
- Lectures or seminars
- Competitions and contests
- Charity fundraising
- Political advocacy
- Religious activities
- Commercial sales activities
Projects already receiving financial support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government or the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture are generally not eligible, although some Arts Council Tokyo-supported projects may qualify.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include organizations based in Japan that independently organize and finance arts and cultural activities.
Applicants may include:
- Arts organizations
- Private companies
- Executive committees
- Theaters
- Cultural halls and venues
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant organizations must:
- Have headquarters located in Japan
- Maintain formal organizational structures
- Have internal accounting systems
- Possess organizational governance regulations
- Independently organize and finance the project
Applicants are also required to complete the:
- “Accessibility Course 2024 Appreciation Support Introduction” video course provided by ARTNOTO
Additional Support Available
The initiative also offers:
- Accessibility training programmes
- Consultation services
- Guidance on inclusive arts programming
- Organizational accessibility support through ARTNOTO
These services aim to help organizations strengthen long-term accessibility practices.
Why the Programme Matters
Many audiences continue to face barriers when accessing arts and cultural activities due to:
- Physical accessibility challenges
- Communication barriers
- Limited inclusive programming
- Lack of accessibility awareness within organizations
The programme encourages cultural organizations to adopt inclusive approaches that make arts experiences more welcoming and accessible to all communities.
The initiative also contributes to broader social inclusion and cultural participation goals in Tokyo.
How the Grant Programme Works
The programme funds accessibility-related improvements linked to cultural events and public artistic activities.
Application Process
- Review programme eligibility and guidance
- Complete the required ARTNOTO accessibility course
- Prepare project and accessibility plans
- Calculate eligible accessibility-related expenses
- Submit the application
- Implement approved accessibility measures during project activities
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain audience accessibility needs
- Demonstrate practical accessibility improvements
- Show long-term organizational commitment to inclusion
- Include realistic accessibility budgets
- Highlight audience impact and participation benefits
- Integrate accessibility into overall project planning
Strong applications usually include:
- Detailed accessibility plans
- Audience support strategies
- Organizational learning goals
- Inclusion and participation outcomes
- Clear implementation timelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the FY2026 Grant for Accessibility?
It is a grant programme supporting accessibility initiatives for arts and cultural activities in Tokyo.
Who provides the grant?
The programme is offered by Arts Council Tokyo together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
How much funding is available?
Organizations can receive subsidies of up to 1.5 million yen.
What types of projects are eligible?
Performances, exhibitions, and public cultural activities with accessibility support measures are eligible.
Who can apply?
Arts organizations, companies, theaters, executive committees, and cultural venues based in Japan can apply.
Is accessibility training required?
Yes, applicants must complete the ARTNOTO “Accessibility Course 2024 Appreciation Support Introduction” video course.
Are commercial or political projects eligible?
No, projects focused on commercial sales, political advocacy, or religious activities are not eligible.
Conclusion
The FY2026 Grant for Accessibility by Arts Council Tokyo supports the development of more inclusive and accessible arts and cultural experiences across Tokyo. By funding audience accessibility measures and strengthening organizational awareness, the programme encourages long-term improvements in inclusive cultural participation and helps ensure that arts and culture can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of background or accessibility needs.
The initiative also strengthens accessibility leadership within Japan’s cultural sector and promotes sustainable inclusive arts practices for the future.
For more information, visit Arts Council Tokyo.