The Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2027 is a fully funded three-month creative residency in Tokyo organised by Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), open to international artists, designers, architects, curators, and cultural researchers from all countries. Running across three selectable periods between May 2027 and March 2028, the program covers round-trip economy airfare, free single-room accommodation, shared studio space, a daily living allowance, and a project grant. No application fee is required. The deadline is 25 June 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded International Artist Residency Program |
| Organising Body | Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS) |
| Mode | Offline (Residential in Tokyo, Japan) |
| Duration | 3 Months |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 June 2026 |
About the Program
The Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2027 is administered by Tokyo Arts and Space – a flagship cultural institution of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government — to invite outstanding international creative practitioners to Tokyo for an immersive three-month residency focused on developing independent artistic and research projects in dialogue with Japan’s dynamic contemporary arts scene. The program operates across three distinct residency tracks — International Creator, Curator, and Research — enabling practitioners from a wide spectrum of creative disciplines to participate based on their professional profile and project focus. Consequently, selected residents gain access to TOKAS’s professional studio infrastructure, an internationally connected artistic community, and the full cultural depth of Tokyo across their chosen residency period. Furthermore, selected fellows are invited to present their work at TOKAS Open Studio events, providing significant public exposure and meaningful integration into Tokyo’s vibrant international arts ecosystem throughout the three-month placement.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Open to candidates from all countries worldwide
- Must have sufficient English communication skills to engage with the TOKAS community and artistic environment
- Students are generally ineligible; Ph.D. candidates are an explicit exception across all three residency tracks
Experience & Other Conditions
International Creator Residency Program
- Must reside outside Japan at the time of application
- Must have five or more years of professional experience in their specialised creative field
- Duo applications are eligible, provided at least one creator resides outside Japan
Curator Residency Program
- Must reside outside Japan at the time of application
- Must have three or more years of experience in curation, art criticism, or cultural research
- Duo applications are not eligible for this track
Research Residency Program
- Open to both international and local creators based in or outside Japan
- Must present a strong research proposal focused on arts and culture in Tokyo
- Applicants must be actively engaged in research in arts and culture contexts
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Return Airfare | Round-trip economy-class flights to Tokyo covered |
| Accommodation | Free single-room accommodation for the full 3-month residency |
| Studio Space | Access to shared professional studio and workspace |
| Daily Living Allowance | Provided throughout the residency period |
| Project Grant | Dedicated grant to support the development of the creative project |
| Public Presentation | Opportunity to present work at TOKAS Open Studio events |
Topics / Themes Covered
The program supports creative and research projects across the following disciplines:
- Visual Arts and Sculpture
- Design and Architecture
- Photography and Media Art
- Video Art and Sound Art
- Performance Art and Performing Arts
- Film and Moving Image
- Music and Sound
- Curation and Art Criticism
- Cultural Research — focused on arts and culture in the city of Tokyo
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the official TOKAS application portal before 25 June 2026
- Evaluation based on creative track record, project proposal quality, professional experience, and alignment with TOKAS’s residency objectives
- Applicants must select their preferred residency period — May to July 2027, September to November 2027, or January to March 2028 — at the time of application
- No application fee is required at any stage of the process
How to Apply
- Visit the official TOKAS International Creators Program 2027 application portal and review the guidelines for your chosen residency track — International Creator, Curator, or Research.
- Select your preferred residency period: May to July 2027, September to November 2027, or January to March 2028.
- Complete the online application form with your personal, professional, and creative background details.
- Prepare a clear and compelling project proposal describing the creative work you intend to develop during your Tokyo residency.
- Submit your completed application online before the 25 June 2026 deadline; no application fee is required.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Residency Periods Available
| Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Period 1 | May – July 2027 |
| Period 2 | September – November 2027 |
| Period 3 | January – March 2028 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 25 June 2026 |
| Residency Period Options | May–July 2027 / September–November 2027 / January–March 2028 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2027?
International artists, designers, architects, curators, and cultural researchers from all countries with sufficient English communication skills are eligible; the International Creator track requires five or more years of experience, the Curator track requires three or more years, and students are ineligible except Ph.D. candidates.
What does the TOKAS International Creators Program 2027 cover financially?
The program provides round-trip economy airfare, free single-room accommodation, access to a shared professional studio, a daily living allowance, and a dedicated project grant for the full three-month residency in Tokyo.
How many residency periods are available and how do they differ?
Three periods are available – May to July 2027, September to November 2027, and January to March 2028 – all offering the same three-month duration and full financial coverage; applicants select their preferred period at the time of application.
Can artists apply as a duo for the Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2027?
Duo applications are eligible for the International Creator Residency track, provided at least one creator resides outside Japan; however, duo applications are explicitly ineligible for the Curator Residency track.
Is there an application fee for the Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2027?
No – the Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2027 requires no application fee, and all core residency expenses including airfare, accommodation, studio access, and living allowance are fully covered by TOKAS.