The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 offers an incredible opportunity for international artists to participate in a fully funded art residency program focused on exploring cities through walking-based projects. Hosted in Tokyo, Japan, this prestigious program invites artists to immerse themselves in Tokyo’s vibrant culture, create “Sanpo” (stroll-based) art, and connect with local communities. If you love transforming everyday walks into meaningful artistic experiences, this is a unique chance to showcase your creativity on an international platform.
This two-month residency program is ideal for artists who are passionate about urban exploration, storytelling, and community engagement. Selected artists will develop projects that uncover the hidden stories, traditions, and lives within Tokyo’s neighborhoods. The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 covers all expenses, including travel, accommodation, project funding, and honorarium, ensuring that artists can fully focus on their work without financial concerns.
The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 offers a remarkable opportunity for international artists to create walking-based art projects while connecting deeply with one of the world’s most dynamic cities. With its comprehensive support package, rich cultural immersion, and global exposure, the Social Dive residency is a golden opportunity for artists seeking to grow, collaborate, and make an impact. You can also apply for the Japan Study Support Scholarship 2025 (Study in Japan)
Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 Details:
- Host Country: Japan
- Host City: Tokyo
- Program Theme: Walking-based “Sanpo” art projects
- Residency Duration: 2 Months (September to October 2025)
- Funded By: Tokyo Biennale Social Dive Program
Benefits of the Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025:
- Round-trip travel expenses (up to 300,000 JPY including tax, economy class)
- Free accommodation in Tokyo during the residency period
- Venue coordination for your art project and exhibitions
- Project development support (up to 200,000 JPY including tax)
- Artist honorarium of 100,000 JPY including tax
- Interpretation and translation assistance during the residency
- Official invitation letter for visa application and travel support
- Opportunity to showcase final artwork at Tokyo Biennale 2025
- Global exposure and networking with Tokyo’s art community
Check MEXT Japan Government Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
Partner Organization:
The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive Program is organized under the Tokyo Biennale 2025 framework, a prestigious international art festival celebrating local-global artistic collaboration.
Available Artistic Focus Areas:
- Walking-based (Sanpo) storytelling
- Community engagement projects
- Research-based urban exploration
- Art workshops and public interaction
- Visual or performative documentation of local experiences
Eligibility Criteria for the Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025:
- Open to artists of all nationalities residing outside Japan
- Must be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Submit only one project proposal focused on the theme “Sanpo”
- Must propose activities involving local community interaction (research, workshops, storytelling)
- Should demonstrate ability to connect deeply with Tokyo’s people, culture, and traditions
- Must be available to stay in Tokyo for the full residency period (September to October 2025)
- Must present the final project at the Tokyo Biennale opening on October 17, 2025
- Must be self-sufficient in preparing, producing, and exhibiting their project
- The ability to document activities like research, workshops, and community engagement is required
Required Documents:
- Artist profile photo (max 1MB)
- Self-introduction statement (up to 500 words)
- Artist biography, CV, and portfolio (up to 5 pages, max 5MB, vertical A4 layout)
- Project overview (1 A3-size sheet, horizontal layout with text and sketches/photos)
- Project schedule (1 A4-size sheet, vertical layout)
- Budget sheet (1 A4-size sheet, vertical layout)
- Reference links (personal website, Instagram, Facebook, or similar)
- Video message (up to 2 minutes showcasing applicant and past work, submitted via URL)
Note: All documents must be in English or Japanese.
Deadline:
The application deadline for the Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 is May 2, 2025 (Friday) at 23:59 JST. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline to be considered for this prestigious residency.
Check MENA Scholarship Programme 2025 in Netherlands
How to Apply for the Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025?
To apply for the Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Application Form provided by the Tokyo Biennale team
- Prepare all required documents according to the specifications
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and project details
- Upload your supporting documents and project proposal
- Review your full application carefully
- Submit your application before May 2, 2025 (23:59 JST)