Organizer Information
This opportunity is offered by the EU–Japan Fest Japan Committee, an organization dedicated to fostering cultural collaboration between Japan and Europe. The committee plays a central role in supporting artistic mobility, cross-border collaboration, and long-term cultural exchange initiatives between Japanese and European creative communities.
The programme is specifically designed to strengthen relationships between artists, curators, researchers, and cultural practitioners through targeted mobility funding. It aligns with broader European cultural frameworks such as European Capitals of Culture and transnational cultural cooperation networks.
By supporting travel and research-based exchanges, the organization contributes to the development of sustainable international artistic projects and long-term creative partnerships between Japan and Europe.
Title & Description
EU–Japan Mobility Support 2026 – Travel Grant for Artistic Exchange
EU–Japan Mobility Support 2026 is an international Grant programme that provides financial support for artists, curators, researchers, and cultural practitioners to travel between Japan and Europe.
The programme is designed to facilitate:
- Research and project development
- Artistic collaboration and networking
- Participation in cultural initiatives and residency-based exchanges
The core objective is to strengthen Japan–Europe cultural relations by enabling professionals to physically engage with artistic ecosystems across borders.
The programme prioritizes projects connected to:
- European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) initiatives
- Collaborative cultural themes such as Youth Empowerment, Nature & Green, Diversity (DEI), and Social Regeneration
- New and emerging Japan–Europe artistic collaborations
Selected applicants receive financial support for travel across multiple mobility routes, including Europe–Japan, Japan–Europe, intra-European movement, and intercontinental exchange.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Curatorial Practice
- Research
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Design
- Culture
- Art Management
- Networking Projects
Eligibility
- Open to international applicants, including:
- Artists
- Curators
- Designers
- Cultural organizers
- Researchers in arts and culture
- Social entrepreneurs
- Applicants must be involved in Japan–Europe–related cultural projects
- Both emerging and established practitioners may apply
- Individuals connected to European Capital of Culture programmes are strongly encouraged
- Applicants must apply individually (group members must submit separate applications)
Program Benefits & Awards
The programme provides Production Budget / Travel Costs support depending on category and destination:
- Financial support ranges from 50,000 JPY to 150,000 JPY
- Funding supports international mobility between Japan and Europe
- Covers:
- Travel expenses
- Project-related mobility costs
- Research visits and collaboration trips
Additional benefits:
- Access to international cultural networks
- Opportunity to engage with European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) programmes
- Strengthening of long-term Japan–Europe collaboration opportunities
- Institutional recognition from a major cultural exchange body
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form
- Applicant headshot (1200 × 1600 px minimum)
- Project description or travel purpose statement
- Optional support letter from host institution (ECoC, festival, or project partner)
- Portfolio or background documentation (if relevant)
Additional requirements after selection:
- Travel receipts
- Financial documentation (invoice/bank details)
- Photo documentation of activities (10–20 images)
- Final online report
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Period (Spring Cycle): March 2026 – Mid-August 2026
- Travel Period: April 2026 – September 2026
- Second Cycle Application Period: August 2026 – Mid-February 2027
- Travel Period (Second Cycle): October 2026 – March 2027
- Submission Deadline: At least 6 weeks before planned travel
- Notification: Approximately 1 week after the interview
Location
- Japan
- Europe
- Intra-European destinations
- International (Other regions → Japan / Europe routes)
Additional Details
This Travel Costs support programme is structured around multiple mobility categories (A–E), allowing flexible international exchange pathways depending on the applicant’s origin and destination.
Key structural features include:
- Two-stage selection process (document screening + interview)
- Online and in-person interviews, depending on applicant's location
- Mandatory reporting within 30 days after travel
- Requirement to acknowledge funding partner in published materials
The programme strongly emphasises:
- Sustainable artistic mobility
- Long-term cultural collaboration
- Cross-regional exchange between Japan and Europe
- Inclusive access to international cultural production networks
Applications may close early if capacity is reached.