Arts Initiative Tokyo – Japan

For: artists, curators and art observers
What: 1 work period of 3 months
When: 1 February 2025 – 30 April 2025

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Do you meet the conditions and did you go through the checklist?

NB! Would you like to apply for this residency? Go back to Residency (international) for the terms and conditions, assessment and checklist for your application.

The Japanese capital of Tokyo has a population of more than 13 million residents, and is roughly the size of the province of Utrecht. The metropolis buzzes with singular architecture, countless neon signs, electronics stores and sprawling shopping centres. Tokyo also boasts a rich history and tradition, with shrines, temples and zen gardens. The dozens of museums in the city are home to diverse collections, ranging from traditional to contemporary art.

The Arts Initiative Tokyo (AIT) is a small-scale initiative that was launched in 2001 by 6 Japanese curators. They aim at creating a platform for learning, dialogue, and open thought to anyone interested in contemporary art. In addition to making exhibitions and publications, organising lectures on modern art and organising courses, the AIT also offers international artists and art observers /critics the opportunity to work as an artist-in-residence in Tokyo. The AIT introduces residents to the Tokyo art world, and supervises and supports activities. If possible, this collaboration will result in a publication. Following the residencies, the AIT often remains in close collaboration with the artists.

The AIT Residency is primarily suited to conducting research and establishing contacts in Tokyo. The residency is therefore geared towards artists, curators and art observers with no immediate plans to make concrete work. In addition to conducting their own research, the artist, curator and art observers is also expected to participate in the AIT’s activities, e.g. by holding a presentation about the work, participating in debates organised by the AIT or by contributing to their blog.

The resident lives and works in a renovated traditional Japanese warehouse, with a living space of approximately 45 m2. The accommodation is located in the Yukigaya district, about 30 minutes from the city centre and the AIT.

Charlott Markus stayed at the studio in 2019. Vincent Vulsma, Melvin Moti, William Engelen, Martine Stig, Rafaël Rozendaal, Rory Pilgrim and Marina Visic all previously stayed at the residency.

For whom

The residency at the AIT Foundation is for visual artists, curators and art observers.

Work period

1 work period is available:

  • 1 February 2025 to 30 April 2025

How much

Per period, the Mondriaan Fund makes a subsidy of € 8,564 available for an artist and of € 8,114 for a curator or art observer to help cover travel expenses, material costs and living costs. This sum is intended for 1 person. In addition, the selected resident is expected to pay a 10% personal contribution. The Mondriaan Fund automatically takes this into account in their ultimate subsidy, you do not need to do anything.

The cost of renting the studio/living space and the support for the resident offered by the AIT are not included in the subsidy and will be settled by the Mondriaan Fund directly with the AIT.

The contribution to artists based in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom can be increased to meet any higher travel costs. This is looked at per situation.

Applications

The deadline for submitting an application for a work period in 2025 is 21 March 2024, before 16:00 PM (CET) / 11:00 PM (AST).

Applications for a subsidy for this residency may only be submitted during the annual selection rounds as announced by the Mondriaan Fund on their website. Before submitting an application, please read the explanation for the terms and conditions, application procedure and assessment procedure. You can find them on the page of Residency (international).

Please also read the terms and conditions applicable to Mondriaan Fund subsidies.

General terms and conditions

Selection

An advisory committee assists in the selection process, recommending candidates to the AIT Foundation based on the submitted documents. The AIT selects the artists who will be invited to participate in the residency. Applications must therefore be submitted in English.

Other subsidies for Dutch and international residencies

In light of the fact that only 1 or 2 resident(s) can be selected per round, many applicants will unfortunately be disappointed. We would therefore like to draw your attention to the possibility of applying for an Artist Project for another residency. The residency associated with your application for Artist Project, may not be linked to a Mondriaan Fund application round.

Questions & contact

Do you have any questions about this grant? Please contact one of our employees directly.

Or call 020 523 15 23 or send an email to vasb@zbaqevnnasbaqf.ay.

Heleen de Hoog