JAPIC Animation Artist in Residence 2015 Program

This project, organised by the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunka-cho / Government of Japan), is an artist in residence program which aims to provide three outstanding young animation artists from around the world with an opportunity to come to Tokyo and create new works while directly interacting with Japanese animation culture.

In doing so, we aim to promote both the creation of excellent works of animation and a better understanding of Japanese culture.

 The program consists of animation productions, as well as:

• Education/training: participants will give reports on the progress of their work being created as part of the program and will receive guidance from accomplished Japanese animators/experts on a regular basis;
• Visits/exchange events: participants will visit animation studios and participate in exchange events with artists and students enrolled in art programs at educational institutions;
• Creation of a new work: participants will begin a new work while in Japan and present the finished work or one part of a work in progress at the end of their stay.

The eligibility criteria for the participants are as follows:

• Reside outside of Japan and be citizens of a country other than Japan;
• Have had one of their animated works screened at an international film festival, exhibition or similar event, where works from countries other than their own are also screened/featured;
• Aged between 20 and 35 as of 10 September 2014;
• Able to speak either English or Japanese at least well enough to communicate in everyday situations;
• Be in good health;
• Have access to the equipment necessary to participate in a remote interview.

Applications will be accepted beginning 1 July 2014. Application forms and all required documents/materials must be received by this office by 10 September 2014.

 3 applicants will be accepted to take part in the 70-day program between 7 January and 17 March 2015. Travel expenses, living allowance, travel insurance, and rental accommodation in Tokyo (including workspace) are covered by the program. Applicants should submit a plan for an animated work at least three minutes in length.

For further details regarding the accompanying documents and the application procedure click here.

 Michael Frei (Switzerland), Ofra Kobliner (Israel) and Tomasz Popakul (Poland) were the 3 selected recipients of the APIC programme.