Are you an artist inspired by walking, storytelling, and community discovery? The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 offers a Fully Funded Art Residency in the heart of Tokyo, inviting global creatives to turn everyday walks into extraordinary works of art. Aligned with the playful yet profound theme “Shall we Sanpo?” (meaning “to stroll” in Japanese), this program empowers international artists to engage with the city through immersive, walking-based art projects.

Organized as part of the Tokyo Biennale 2025, this prestigious residency blends urban exploration, cultural observation, and social storytelling into a dynamic artistic experience. Selected participants will live and work in Tokyo, develop site-specific art, and exhibit their creations to a global audience during the Tokyo Biennale exhibition period.

Program Details

Host Country:
Japan

Program Location:
Tokyo

Program Dates:

• Residency: September – October 2025

• Exhibition: October – December 2025

• Opening Exhibition Date: October 17, 2025

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

• Walking-based “Sanpo” art creation

• Community storytelling and local interaction

• Urban exploration and creative observation

This initiative offers artists a unique opportunity to document daily life, uncover hidden narratives, and connect meaningfully with Tokyo’s neighborhoods.

Benefits

Selected artists will receive a comprehensive support package, including:

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

• Free accommodation in Tokyo during the residency

• Honorarium of 100,000 JPY (including tax)

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

• Venue coordination for public presentation and exhibition

• Interpretation and translation assistance

• Official invitation letter to facilitate visa and travel arrangements

The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive not only supports creative development but also ensures artists are fully equipped to engage with the local environment.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to diverse artists from all over the world. Applicants must meet the following:

• Open to artists of all nationalities residing outside Japan

• Must be 18 years or older

• One project proposal per applicant only

• Proposal must explore the “Sanpo” (walking) theme

• Must include community engagement elements such as:

  • Storytelling

  • Local research

  • Participatory workshops

• Must reside in Tokyo during the residency period

• Final project must be presented during the Tokyo Biennale 2025

• Artists must be self-reliant in planning and executing their work

• Project must include a documentation plan (photos, videos, narratives, etc.)

Ideal candidates are those who can connect deeply with Tokyo’s urban fabric, contribute artistically to the community, and create meaningful, place-based experiences.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete set of materials either in English or Japanese.

Required Documents:

1. Artist Profile Photo (max 1MB)

2. Self-Introduction Statement (max 500 words)

3. CV, Artist Biography, and Portfolio

   • Max 5 pages

   • A4 size, vertical layout

   • File size: up to 5MB

4. Project Overview

   • 1 A3-size sheet

   • Horizontal layout

   • Include text and visuals

5. Project Schedule

   • 1 A4-size sheet

   • Vertical layout

6. Budget Sheet

   • 1 A4-size sheet

   • Vertical layout

7. Reference Links

   • Website, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

8. Video Message

   • Max 2 minutes

   • Submit as a video URL (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)

Submission Instructions:

• Compile all documents and complete the official application form available through the Tokyo Biennale portal.

• Be sure to double-check formatting and file sizes to avoid disqualification.

Application Deadline

🗓 May 2, 2025 (Friday) at 23:59 JST

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Apply well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

About the Organizer

The Tokyo Biennale is an international art festival that transforms the capital into a vibrant hub of creativity and collaboration. Unlike traditional museum-based exhibitions, this biennale reimagines the city itself as a canvas—engaging local communities and artists to co-create meaningful artistic narratives.

Through initiatives like Social Dive, the Tokyo Biennale empowers artists to delve into Tokyo’s culture, history, and daily life, sparking impactful, socially engaged art.

Why Apply?

The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 is not just an art residency—it is a deep, human journey into Tokyo’s neighborhoods, values, and unseen stories. You will:

• Gain international recognition through participation in a globally respected Biennale

• Develop your practice in a rich urban environment

• Engage with local communities, creating connections through art

• Receive professional and financial support to bring your vision to life

• Document and share your creative journey with a global audience

• Join a network of innovative, socially conscious artists

If you’re passionate about storytelling, place-based practice, and community art, this is the perfect stage for your next creative chapter.

Application Deadline:

May 2, 2025 (Friday) at 23:59 Japan Standard Time