The Delegation of the European Union to Japan launches a residency for art- & cultural critics, which is held as a part of this year’s Kyoto Experiment: Kyoto International Performing Arts Festival.
Deadline of Open Call: 20 May, 2024
Residency Period: 5 – 27 October, 2024
About Kyoto Experiment
Kyoto Experiment is a performing arts festival held in Kyoto since 2010. Dedicated to producing and presenting experimental performing arts—both from Japan and overseas—the festival aims to explore and create new dialogues and values in society. Featuring experimental works that move freely between genres such as theater, dance, music and fine art, the festival hopes to open up new possibilities through the creations, experiences, and ideas that emerge from such a diverse combination.
https://kyoto-ex.jp/
The aim
With the aim, to reflect and foster the potential of art- and cultural critique, the Delegation of the European Union to Japan are planning to host a maximum number of eight critics from EU member states for a residency in Kyoto during the entire festival period of Kyoto Experiment (dates: Oct 5th -27th). Participants are invited to contribute with their expertise and experience to creating a space for exchange and reflection about the role of critique in nurturing the environment art and cultural production and in facilitating the role of art and culture in current societies. Together with the residents from the EU, our partner The Saison Foundation will host a Japanese critic to facilitate dialogue and address the situation of the art scene in Japan as well as in Europe. During the festival period, The Delegation of the European Union to Japan will hold multiple events in different formats involving the residents, such as public discussions, panel talks, workshops etc.
Who can apply?
Cultural journalists, preferably with a focus on performing arts, including arts writers, critics, theoreticians working for any kind of media and support, e.g. (online) magazines, newspapers, radios, televisions, new media platforms…
Eligibility requirements
– A minimum of three years’ experience in art/cultural critique and ongoing professional activity
– Good level of spoken and written English
– Citizens of the 27 EU member states or persons having a permanent residency in one of the 27 EU member states [check this list]
What we offer
– Round trip flight from Europe to Japan
– Travel expenses for the transfer from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto (round trip)
– Accommodation in Kyoto during the residency period from Oct 5 to Oct 28
– A lump sum of 150,000 Yen to cover living expenses during the residency
– Tickets for the entire programmes of Kyoto Experiment
– Platforms for exchange and debate during the festival period, access to the professional network of Japanese and international art and cultural practitioners affiliated to Kyoto Experiment
– Support in getting to know the local art scene
The critics-in-residence programme will take place in October 2024. The duration of the residency is fixed and is not subject to change. Arrival in Kyoto is scheduled for October 5th, departure from Japan for October 28th.
Expected Outcome
Participation in public and semi-public discussions and exchange sessions during the festival. The framework will be discussed in advance with the participants after the residents have been determined.
A written article in English language on a subject connected to the resident’s stay in Kyoto and their impressions of the local art environment, to be published on Kyoto Experiment’s website.
How to apply?
Please read the application details on the website and apply by Email by May 20th, 2024 (23:59 CET)
– Filled-out application form (application can be downloaded here)
– Current resume
– Three samples of your previous works in the field of art critique/cultural critique (written content, radio, video et al.) in English or any of the EU languages.
Please put the subject line as “Critics-in-Residence” when you submit your application. Work samples that exceed the file size of Gmail (or other email) attachments should be submitted by a file sharing system referencing the same email address.
Announcement of Results
Applicants will be notified about the result of their application via e-mail by June 14th, 2024.
Notes
Successful applicants, who are permanent residents of the EU, but do not hold an EU member state’s nationality, might – depending on their nationality – have to acquire a visa for their stay in Japan. The organizer will provide support in submitting visa applications but won’t be held liable in case the visa application is not successful.
We request successful applicants to take out an overseas travel insurance covering the period of their stay in Japan.
For inquiries
WEB: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/japan/open-call-critics-residence-programme-kyoto-experiment-2024_en
E-mail: EU_mobility@goethe.de
Organizer: Delegation of the European Union to Japan
Operated by: Goethe-Institut Tokyo
In cooperation with: Kyoto Experiment: Kyoto International Performing Arts Festival, The Saison Foundation
