ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Obayashi Foundation Opens 2027 Visions of the City Grant to Open Call

award · 2026-09-03

The Obayashi Foundation has announced the launch of the sixth round of its Visions of the City – Obayashi Foundation Research Program, with funding designated for fiscal 2027. From September 1 to September 15, 2026, those interested can sign up on the foundation's site. Applications must be submitted between September 15 and October 15 by 1pm JST. This year marks a shift to an open call format, aimed at making the process more inclusive, rather than relying on recommendations. There are no restrictions based on nationality or residency, but entries should mainly be in Japanese. Since its start in 2017, this biennial program has supported artists addressing urban challenges, with past winners like Aida Makoto and Ho Rui An. The grant will run from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2029, with eligibility details provided online.

Key facts

  • Open call for sixth Visions of the City grant, fiscal 2027
  • Application period: September 1-15, 2026
  • Documents due September 15-October 15, 1pm JST
  • Switched from recommendation-based to open call
  • No nationality or residence restrictions, but applications in Japanese
  • Program launched in 2017, biennial
  • Past recipients: Aida Makoto (2017), Theaster Gates (2019), exonemo (2021), Minouk Lim (2023), Ho Rui An (2025)
  • Grant period: April 1, 2027 - March 31, 2029

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Obayashi Foundation

Locations

  • Japan
  • Tokyo

Sources