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Tokyo Biennale 2027's SOCIAL DIVE Opens International Open Call

festival-fair · 2026-08-03

The Tokyo Biennale 2027 has initiated an international open call through its SOCIAL DIVE programme, inviting artists, curators, researchers, and collectives to develop socially engaged projects at eleven sites throughout Tokyo. The theme, "From 'Me' to 'Us'," emphasizes how personal experiences can spark community conversations. Proposed locations encompass historical temples, Ueno Station, Akihabara, and bustling business areas. This opportunity is available to individuals worldwide aged 18 and older, with proposals allowed for artwork, exhibitions, performances, and more, necessitating research and community involvement in Tokyo. The selection process consists of two phases, with a committee featuring Miwa Kutsuna, Yoshinari Nishio, and Masato Nakamura. Those chosen will receive travel costs, accommodation, a project budget, and an honorarium. Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026.

Key facts

  • Tokyo Biennale 2027 launches SOCIAL DIVE open call for socially engaged projects.
  • Theme: 'From 'Me' to 'Us'.
  • Eleven sites in Tokyo include Ueno Station, Tokyo Dome City, Akihabara Electric Town, Bakurocho and Higashi-Kanda.
  • Open to international applicants aged 18 and over; no nationality restrictions.
  • Selection committee: Miwa Kutsuna, Yoshinari Nishio, Masato Nakamura.
  • Support includes travel up to JPY 300,000, accommodation, project budget up to JPY 200,000, honorarium JPY 100,000.
  • Application deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:59 JST.
  • Applications in English or Japanese only.

Entities

Artists

  • Miwa Kutsuna
  • Yoshinari Nishio
  • Masato Nakamura

Institutions

  • Tokyo Biennale
  • SOCIAL DIVE
  • Biennial Foundation
  • Tokyo Biennale Secretariat

Locations

  • Tokyo
  • Japan
  • Ueno Station
  • Tokyo Dome City
  • Akihabara Electric Town
  • Bakurocho
  • Higashi-Kanda
  • Toeizan Kaneiji Temple
  • Yushima Seido
  • Otemachi
  • Marunouchi
  • Yurakucho
  • Kyobashi
  • Nihonbashi
  • Yaesu
  • Kanda

Sources