The Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 is a fully funded art residency program for international artists who love to explore cities and connect with people. Held in Tokyo, Japan, this exciting opportunity invites artists to create walking-based “Sanpo” art projects. If you enjoy turning everyday walks into creative experiences, this program is perfect for you. Discover the heart of Tokyo while showcasing your art on a global platform.
The theme for Tokyo Biennale 2025 is “Shall we Sanpo?”, a Japanese word that means to stroll or wander. Through this theme, artists are encouraged to walk through Tokyo’s neighborhoods and uncover new stories, people, and traditions. The goal is to connect with the city’s culture by simply walking and observing. This art festival turns peaceful walks into powerful creative journeys that bring people closer.
As part of the Tokyo Biennale Social Dive artist-in-residence programme, selected artists will spend September to October 2025 in Tokyo. You’ll plan and create a project based on walking, while engaging with local communities through research, workshops, or storytelling. Your final work will be shown at the Tokyo Biennale 2025. With full funding for travel, stay, and materials, this opportunity offers a unique way to grow as an artist and connect globally.
Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025 in Japan | Fully Funded Residency Program:
Host Country:
- Japan
Host City:
- Tokyo
Programs:
- Walking-based “sanpo” art projects
Benefits and Support Tokyo Biennale Social Dive artist-in-residence programme:
- Round-trip travel expenses (up to 300,000 JPY, including tax, for one person based on economy class)
- Free accommodation in Tokyo during the residency
- Venue coordination for your art program
- Project development support (up to 200,000 JPY, including tax)
- Honorarium of 100,000 JPY, including tax
- Interpretation and translation assistance
- Official invitation letter for visa and travel support.
- Check Japan International MANGA Award | Win Prizes & a Trip to Japan
Eligibility Criteria of the Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025:
- Open to artists of any nationality living outside Japan.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Can submit only one project proposal.
- Project must focus on “Sanpo” (walking) as a creative theme.
- Must include a plan to engage with local communities through research, storytelling, or workshops.
- Should have the ability to deeply connect with Tokyo’s culture, values, and people.
- Must be available to stay in Tokyo from September to October 2025.
- Must present the final artwork at the Tokyo Biennale opening on October 17, 2025.
- Must be willing to carry out all preparation, production, and exhibition tasks if selected.
- Project should include plans to document activities like local interaction, research, or workshop.
How to Apply to the Tokyo Biennale Social Dive 2025:
Prepare the following documents:
- All documents must be submitted in English or Japanese
- Artist profile photo (max 1MB)
- Self-introduction statement (up to 500 words)
- Artist biography, CV, and portfolio
(Up to 5 pages, A4 size, vertical layout, max 5MB; include past works with images) - Project overview description
(1 A3-size sheet, horizontal layout, with text and visuals like sketches or photos) - Project schedule (1 A4-size sheet, vertical layout)
- Budget sheet (1 A4-size sheet, vertical layout)
- Reference links (Website, Instagram, Facebook, or other)
- Video message
(Max 2 minutes, featuring the applicant and artwork; share as a video URL) - Submit your application through the official Application Form
- Make sure to apply before May 2, 2025.
- Submit your application through the official Application Form
- Make sure to apply before May 2, 2025.
Important Dates of Social Dive 2025:
Application Deadline: May 2, 2025 (Friday) at 23:59 JST
Selection Results: Early June 2025
Planning Phase: June to August 2025
Stay in Tokyo: September to October 2025
Exhibition Period: October to December 2025
Documentation Work: Starts mid-December 2025.
