Tokyo Arts and Space International Creators Residency Programme 2026–2027 in Japan

Applications are now open for the prestigious Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS) International Creators Residency Programme 2026–2027 in Japan. The residency program invites international artists, curators, architects, designers, filmmakers, and researchers to live and work in Tokyo while engaging in creative and cultural exchange activities.

Operated by Tokyo Arts and Space, a division of The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, the residency offers creators an opportunity to develop artistic projects, conduct research, collaborate with other creatives, and present their work in Japan.

Available Residency Programs

TOKAS currently offers three major residency categories:

• International Creator Residency Programme
• Curator Residency Programme
• Research Residency Programme

Each residency has different durations, eligibility requirements, and project expectations.

Residency Duration

International Creator Residency

• 3-month residency periods
• Available during:
  • May – July 2026
  • September – November 2026
  • January – March 2027

Curator Residency

• 1 to 3 months

Research Residency

• 6 to 12 weeks

Financial Benefits

Selected participants will receive generous support from TOKAS, including:

International Creator Residency Benefits

• Free accommodation in Tokyo
• Shared studio space
• Round-trip economy airfare
• Daily living allowance of JPY 4,200
• Creative project grant of JPY 300,000

Curator Residency Benefits

• Accommodation
• Round-trip airfare
• Research/project grant of JPY 100,000

Research Residency Benefits

• Accommodation support

Eligible Fields

Applicants from a wide range of creative disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:

• Visual Arts
• Film
• Design
• Architecture
• Media Art
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Sound Art
• Performing Arts
• Curation
• Cultural Research

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be highly motivated international creators or researchers
• Be actively working in relevant artistic or cultural fields
• Have sufficient English communication skills
• Be independent and able to live and work in Tokyo
• Propose a clear creative or research project

The residency strongly encourages international cultural exchange and collaboration among creators from different countries.

Program Activities

Residents may participate in:

• Open Studio events
• Result presentations and exhibitions
• Creative collaborations
• Research activities
• Public talks and networking events

TOKAS regularly organizes exhibitions, curator talks, and public engagement activities throughout the residency period.

Application Deadline

• Application Deadline: 25 June 2025 for the 2026–2027 cycle

For the upcoming 2027 residency intake, applications will open from 19 May 2026 to 16 June 2026.

Why Apply for TOKAS Residency?

The TOKAS Residency is considered one of Asia’s leading international artist residency programs. It provides creators with:

• International exposure
• Creative freedom
• Professional networking opportunities
• Access to Japan’s contemporary art ecosystem
• Cross-cultural collaboration experience

The residency has hosted artists and researchers from around the world and continues to support innovative global creative practices.