Japan | Media Arts residency call

The “Residency for International Creators with Exploratory Projects 2018”, Japan is now accepting applications from emerging Media Arts artists aged 20-35, offering a 60 days stay in Tokyo with research and creation support for project development and opportunities to experience Japanese Media Arts culture.

This residency program is part of the “Project to Support Emerging Media Arts Creators” organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan (Bunka-cho in Japanese). Emerging artists in Media Arts (Media Geijutsu in Japanese) around the world are invited to come and stay in Tokyo to create new works. Whether the works are media art, videos, games, animations, or manga, the artists will be able to experience Japanese Media Arts culture, with additional opportunities to meet with Japanese creators to discuss their works. The aim of this program is not only to support the realization of works and research projects but also to stimulate cross-cultural dialogues through Media Arts.

The following will be provided by the program:

Travel expenses (round-trip airline ticket from the country of residence to Tokyo)
Living allowance (including travel expenses for research and creation inside Japan)
Travel insurance
Housing in Tokyo
Location in Tokyo
Opportunities to meet Japanese creators and experts

*No application fees are required, but the residents are responsible for the production expenses.

Programme dates: January 18 – March 18, 2019 (60 days)

Applicants must:

be currently living outside of Japan and be a citizen of a country other than Japan.
have previously shown works at international art festivals, film festivals, game shows, comic festivals, etc. Being awarded a prize or included in the Jury Selection at the Japan Media Arts Festival in the past.
be between the ages of 20 and 35 (not definite, as applicant’s previous career will also be considered)
be able to speak either English or Japanese fluently enough to communicate in everyday situations.
be in good health.
be able to participate in remote interviews (i.e. have access to a computer with Skype connected to the internet).
have no criminal records.

The deadline for application is September 10, 2018.

Image: Zoyander Street - one of 3 artists selected for Japan Media Arts residency in 2018