Open Call for the Research Residency Program 2027
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Research Residency Program 2027
For international/local creators
"Research Residency Program" gives opportunities to conduct research on arts and culture in the city of Tokyo, targeting both international and local creators in a wide range of fields.
Overview
Residency Period: 6 to 12 weeks within either of the following residency periods
① From the beginning of May to the end of July, 2027
② From the beginning of September to the end of November, 2027
③ From the beginning of January to the end of March, 2028
Number of Creators: 5 creators
Disciplines: Visual arts, design, architecture, music, performing arts, curation, art criticism, cultural research and writing
What TOKAS Residency offers: Living space (single room)
Studio/workspace: None
Outline
Application Period
May 19 (Tue), 2026 - June 16 (Tue), 2026, 18:00 (JST | Japan Standard Time, GMT＋9)
How to apply
① Please download Application Package "Application Package_RR2027_EN" below.
② Please read carefully through Outline and fill in Application Form (PDF).
③ Please fill in your information on Online Submission Form and upload Application Form (PDF), two letters of recommendation, and portfolio.
*You may apply for "International Creator Residency Program" and/or "Curator Residency Program" at the same time. (Please check "Eligibility" in each outline.) Please submit different Online Submission Forms for each program.
*If you apply as a duo, please see the FAQ below before you apply.
*For Japanese applicants >> go to our website in Japanese.
FAQ
Eligibility
Q1. Is there an age limit for application?
A. No, there is not.
Q2. I have participated in TOKAS residency program before. Can I apply for these residency programs again?
A. You can apply for Research Residency Program.
Q3. I will be finishing my master's degree soon. Am I eligible to apply for your residency?
A. If you are not a student at the time of participation in the program, and if you have considerable experience in your specialized area of expertise, you are eligible.
Q4. Can I apply for this program as a duo?
A. Yes. Please see also the following FAQ related to "Applying as a Duo."
Application Form
Q5. When I create a document in Adobe Reader, the font size is not adjustable and the text at the end is cut off. What should I do?
A. The application form has specific settings for font size and number of characters. If you change the settings by yourself, it may cause problems. Please use Adobe Reader to fill in the form so that it fits within the frame of the form.
Letter of Recommendation
Q6. Is there any format for the letters of recommendation?
A. There is no specific one. Please state the relationship between the applicant and referees, and reasons for recommending the applicant to this program.
Q7. According to the Outline, referees should be specialized in the fields of art and culture. Are freelance curators and artists eligible?
A. Yes. Letters of recommendation which state the relationship between the applicant and referees, and reasons for recommending the applicant to this program are valid.
Q8. Which contact information of referees should I provide? Contact information of affiliation or his/her personal contact?
A. Please fill with the contact information of your referee's affiliation. If your referee works as a freelance, you could put his/her personal contact.
Q9. In case I apply for several residency programs at the same time, do I have to prepare two different letters of recommendation for each program?
A. You can use the same letters for several programs.
Q10. Can my referees send the letters of recommendation directly to TOKAS?
A. No. We cannot accept recommendation letters sent directly from referees. Please upload them via the Online Submission Form.
Applying as a Duo
Q11. It will be our first time working as a duo, how can we apply?
A. If you haven't worked as a duo before, you cannot apply as a duo.
Q12. We have done only one project together as a duo, how can we submit the portfolio?
A. You should upload one single portfolio if you apply as a duo. You should include at least one project of the duo and select two other individual projects within the total of 6 pages.
Q13. I understand two letters of recommendation are required, but in the case of a duo, is it acceptable to submit one letter for each individual, for a total of two letters?
A. We do not accept letters of recommendation written for individuals of a duo. We only accept two letters of recommendation provided for a duo.
Residence Facilities
Q14. What sorts of facilities do you offer to the successful candidates?
A. Please read through section "TOKAS Residency Facilities" in the Outline, or refer to our website "Our Facilities."
Other questions
Q15. I applied for multiple periods of the residency periods. Would it be possible to choose the period by myself if I were selected?
A. You are not able to choose a residency period. We will choose and make the decision.
Q16. Is it possible to travel around Japan for my artwork and research, or am I restricted to remain in Tokyo?
A. Artists participating in the program are expected to focus on their new project during the residency period. If you need to stay outside our residency for your project or research, you have to consult in advance.
Q17. Do I have to fund myself for additional accommodation and travel expenses elsewhere in Japan, or is there any help?
A. We will not provide any financial support for additional accommodation and travel expenses elsewhere in Japan.
Q18. Can I bring my family/partner with me?
A. No. We offer accommodation only for the participating creators.
Q19. Can you refer me to any grants or funding organizations?
A. Unfortunately, TOKAS is unable to help you with grants, so we ask you to search by yourself. TOKAS will issue Letters of Acceptance for the successful candidates.
Inquiries
For inquiries not listed in the FAQ page on our website, please contact us through the following inquiry form by June 7, 2026.
We will update the FAQ on our website after June 11, 2026.
Inquiry form | https://form.run/@2027SpringContact
Please note that we cannot answer each inquiry individually.
Our Facilities
