Overview
Established in 2001 as Tokyo Wonder Site (TWS) and renamed in 2017, Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS) is an arts center operated by the Arts Program and Residency Division of the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT) under the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture. TOKAS acts as an incubator for contemporary artistic expression and creative exchange between Japanese and international practitioners. The organization operates across two primary facilities in Tokyo: TOKAS Hongo (an exhibition and presentation hub in Bunkyo-ku) and TOKAS Residency (a living, studio, and research complex in Sumida-ku equipped with 12 guest rooms and shared studio spaces).
Objectives
TOKAS aims to support contemporary artistic expression by nurturing emerging and mid-career artists, promoting international cultural exchange, and encouraging cutting-edge, experimental projects. By offering structured residency platforms, presentation opportunities, and awards, TOKAS strives to serve as a bridge between the local Japanese art scene and the global cultural community. The center seeks to foster a flexible, multidisciplinary environment where creators can pursue innovative research, present boundary-pushing work, and engage in cross-cultural dialogue.
Programs / Opportunities
- Artist & Curator Residencies: Fully supported research and creation residencies, including the International Creator Residency, Curator Residency, Research Residency, and Local Creator Residency.
- Exchange Residency Program: Bilateral exchange programs operated in partnership with international cultural institutions (such as WIELS, Atelier Mondial, and HIAP) to send Japan-based creators abroad and host international artists in Tokyo.
- Exhibition & Open Call Platforms: Presentation programs including TOKAS-Emerging (solo exhibitions for artists aged 35 or younger), ACT (Artists Contemporary TOKAS) (group exhibitions featuring program alumni), and OPEN SITE (an open-call initiative for cross-genre, experimental projects).
- Awards & Major Initiatives: Co-organizing the Tokyo Contemporary Art Award (TCAA) alongside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to provide multi-year support, international travel, and dedicated exhibitions at MOT for mid-career artists.
- Public Programming & Networking: Regular OPEN STUDIO events, public lectures, curator talks, and exhibition showcases to engage the local public and art community with work created in residence.
Target Community
- Multidisciplinary Creators: Emerging, mid-career, and established international and Japan-based artists, curators, researchers, architects, designers, composers, and performers across visual arts, new media, sound art, and film.
- Institutional Partners & Affiliates: International residency centers, cultural funds, foreign embassies, and global art centers partnering on bilateral exchange programs.
