Applications open for Asian Performing Arts Camp

Using their own personal themes and concerns as starting points, the campers participate in lectures and workshops, hold discussions with people from different countries and cultures, and conduct research and fieldwork. Through this process, the Camp aims to help artists cultivate thoughts and ideas together, and to explore future possibilities for their own practices and fields. The final day will feature a presentation session that is open to the public, where participants can share what they have gained and exchange thoughts with the audience, thus fostering their own artistic growth.

Objectives

• To arrive, through cooperative learning and mutual inspiration, at conceptual and practical approaches that each participant can apply to their respective focus and future practice.
• To explore ways to create an environment where all participants, who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, can safely work on their creative practices.
• To practice and gain first-hand experience in how to communicate in a way that is both critical and constructive, while respectful of others, when voicing opinions in discussions and other settings.
• To have an articulated focus and concrete vision that looks towards the future, five to ten years ahead.

Support

• Accommodation for the period of stay in Tokyo (September 15 – 30)
• Per diem for On-site Camp period [2,000JPY x 14 days]
• Event insurance for On-site Camp period (September 16 – 29)
• Production expenses for materials, props, etc. required for the final presentation [up to 5,000JPY].
• Support provided by the Communication Design Team: assistance in intercultural communication; lectures on conducting discussions; the creation of rules for communication among participants; help with activity-related communication, etc.
  • Discussions will be conducted in English, and will include highly professional and abstract language. The Communication Design Team will assist in creating a space where participants can engage in discussion regardless of English capabilities.
• For participants living outside of Japan, they provide:
  • Round-trip flight tickets from your nearest international airport to Haneda or Narita Airport, round-trip shuttle between the relevant Tokyo airport and accommodation
• For participants living outside of the Kanto region in Japan who are unable to attend from home, they provide:
  • Support for round-trip transportation from your residence to Tokyo

Eligibility Criteria

• Participants must meet all conditions:
  • Must be based in Asia.
  • Must have played a key role in the creative aspect of performing arts productions or projects in the past.
  • Must be aged 35 or younger, or those who are over 36 years old but have been involved in artistic activities for 8 years or less, as of Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, when the activity began.
  • Must be able to attend the entirety of the program.
  • Must be able to cooperate with the advertisement and PR activities conducted by Tokyo Festival.
  • Must have access to a suitable online environment that includes the following:
    • A secure internet connection.
    • A robust internet connection able to support group video calls, video streaming, large file downloads, etc.
    • A device on which the participant can use online tools such as Zoom video calls, Miro, Slack, or One Drive (the tools used may vary according to participant circumstances and program content).
    • They do not encourage the use of smartphones as the only device for communication.
  • Must be able to cooperate with the necessary procedures for travel and stay in Japan.
  • Provide necessary information for procedures required for visa applications, airline ticket arrangements, etc. (passport information, portrait photograph, etc.)
    • Visa application at the Japanese Embassy, Consulate or Permanent Mission in your country.
  • Participants are expected to demonstrate the following attitudes and interests:
    • A willingness to actively communicate in English.
    • A motivation to communicate with people of different backgrounds and values, and gain new perspectives.
    • An interest in exploring and practicing communication strategies in settings of international collaboration.
    • The intention to continue international activities in the performing arts after the program.

For more information, visit Tokyo Festival.