“SOCIAL DIVE” AIR OPEN CALL PROGRAM

To dive into Tokyo (the city)
and engage deeply with society (people).
Walking through the streets of Tokyo,
What kind of places and people will bring us unknown discoveries and creative experiences?
We are now calling for new “sanpo” art projects to join us in our explorations!

The third edition of the Tokyo Biennale is themed “Shall we ‘Sanpo’?” and explores various ways of “Sanpo” – a concept that embraces walking, wandering around and discovering new perspectives through movement. The “SOCIAL DIVE” AIR OPEN CALL PROGRAM is now calling for projects from around the world to explore with us this theme of ‘Sanpo’.

The mission is to dive into Tokyo (the city) and engage deeply with society (people). “SOCIAL DIVE” involves artists diving into the different areas of Tokyo as part of an art project aimed at discovering both the unique traditions, as well as new values held by the people who live there. With the rise of tension and conflict in today’s world, by taking a “sanpo” or walk together even people who have never met before, can get to know each other, develop an interest in the culture of the city, and form a gentle connection. Burnt to the ground twice, once during the Great Kanto Earthquake and once in World War II, Tokyo’s cityscape is made up of the past and present as it continues to develop today. To be able to enjoy a “sanpo” together in this city is a miracle to be cherished.

Application Deadline: May 2, 2025, 23:59 (JST)

Eligibility: Artists residing outside Japan — Open to all ages over 18 years old

Application Conditions:

• Capability to directly face the “SOCIAL DIVE” theme and connect deeply with the city of Tokyo itself, its diverse communities, or the intangible cultural values of Japan.
• A plan for a walking project that will bring new experiences to the streets of Tokyo.
• Also, a plan to exhibit documentaries of research, workshops or dialogue with local residents conducted prior to the exhibition of Tokyo Biennale 2025.
• Must be able to participate as an invited artist and carry out the preparation and development of the exhibition following the notice of their selection.
• Must be able to stay and produce work between September to October 2025 in order to present works for the opening of the Tokyo Biennale (planned for October 17, 2025).
• Participants can only propose one project