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. For this residency it is not possible to apply as a duo.
Work period
1 work period is available:
- 1 February 2025 to 30 April 2025
How much?
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.
Application
The deadline for submitting an application for a work period in 2025 is Thursday 21 March 2024, before 16.00 (Dutch time zone) / 11.00 (Caribbean time zone).
Before submitting an application, please see the Residency page for the terms and conditions, application procedure and assessment procedure.
Please also read the terms and conditions applicable to Mondriaan Fund contributions.
Selection
The selection is made by an advisory committee. Based on the submitted documents, the advisory committee proposes candidates to the AIT. They make the final decision on the participants for the residency. An interview may be part of their selection process.*
*Please note! Be aware that the processing time for this selection procedure may exceed three months
Other grants for residencies in the Netherlands and other countries
Because only 1 or 2 residents can be selected for any given residency during each application round, it is inevitable that many will be disappointed. For this reason, we point out that it is also possible to apply for an Artist Project at a different residency location. The specific Artist Project residency applied for may not be one of those already being offered in the Mondriaan Fund application rounds.