The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 is a unique opportunity for international artists who are passionate about city exploration, storytelling, and community engagement. This Fully Funded Scholarship invites creatives to transform ordinary walks through Tokyo into extraordinary works of art. Aligned with the theme “Shall we Sanpo?” (meaning “to stroll” in Japanese), the program offers an immersive cultural experience through art residencies rooted in local discovery. It’s ideal for artists eager to uncover hidden narratives and express them through walking-based art.

Program Details

Host Country:
Japan

Program Location:
Tokyo

Program Dates:
September to October 2025 (Residency Period)
October to December 2025 (Exhibition Period)

Program Themes or Focus Areas:
Walking-based “Sanpo” art projects
Community storytelling and engagement
Urban exploration and creative observation

Benefits

• Round-trip travel expenses (up to 300,000 JPY, including tax)

• Free accommodation in Tokyo

• Venue coordination for the art project

• Project development support (up to 200,000 JPY, including tax)

• Honorarium of 100,000 JPY (including tax)

• Interpretation and translation assistance

• Official invitation letter for visa and travel support

Check:Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship 2025-26 in Japan (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to artists of any nationality residing outside Japan

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Only one project proposal per applicant

• Project must focus on the theme of “Sanpo” (walking)

• Must include community engagement elements (research, storytelling, workshops)

• Ability to connect with Tokyo’s culture, values, and people

• Availability to reside in Tokyo from September to October 2025

• Must present final work at the Tokyo Biennale opening on October 17, 2025

• Willingness to complete preparation, production, and exhibition independently

• Project must include plans for documenting interactions and creative processes

How to Apply

1. Prepare all documents in English or Japanese

2. Submit the following materials:

   • Artist profile photo (max 1MB)

   • Self-introduction statement (max 500 words)

   • CV, artist biography, and portfolio (max 5 pages, A4 size, vertical layout, 5MB)

   • Project overview (1 A3-size sheet, horizontal layout with text and visuals)

   • Project schedule (1 A4-size sheet, vertical layout)

   • Budget sheet (1 A4-size sheet, vertical layout)

   • Reference links (website, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)

   • Video message (max 2 minutes; share as a video URL)

3. Apply through the official application form

Application Deadline: May 2, 2025 (Friday) at 23:59 JST

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