Setouchi Triennale 2028 Call for Art Proposals

About this call

The Setouchi Triennale Executive Committee invites proposals for site-specific art projects that use the local resources of the Triennale's venues on the islands and ports of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. Categories: site-specific works on the appeal of the Seto Inland Sea or the islands' nature, history, local culture or lifestyle, indoor or outdoor; site-specific music, dance or theatre performances or events, including puppet and shadow play at the Kasaya-tei Residence in the Hiketa area; works in line with the 2028 policy; projects facilitating interaction between residents, supporters, visitors and the artist; food projects with local ingredients; development of existing projects and plan management; and free proposals. There are no limits on size, materials or weight. The Triennale 2028 runs in spring (April 14 to May 28), summer (July 25 to August 20) and autumn (September 29 to November 12).

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Installation / Sculpture / Performance / Mixed Media
• Entry fee: ¥1500
• Individuals or groups; up to 3 proposals per person or group (individual and group applications count separately, but substantially identical proposals may not be submitted twice under different names), each submitted with its own form and its own 1,500 yen application fee. Applicants must understand the objectives of the Setouchi Triennale and, depending on the proposal, may be expected to reside on site temporarily and work with local residents; selected projects in categories 2 and 4 to 6 may be asked to stay on site during the Triennale. Sites must be among the 17 listed venues; a specific location is not required and the final site is decided with the Executive Committee after selection. In principle the site must be returned to its original condition and a work must stay in good condition for the whole exhibition period (works at the all-season venues for all 117 days); the islands are a national park, so plans may need adjusting under the Natural Parks Act. Do not interview or contact local residents or organizations before applying; pre-application visits are at your own cost. Apply online only (no mail, email or in person), in Japanese or English. The form asks for a project summary of about 400 characters (100 Japanese characters) and one combined PDF or JPEG of no more than 10 A4 pages: project proposal (title, concept, description, production process, materials, size, production and installation schedule), estimated budget broken down by item (income and expenditure plan for revenue-producing projects), visuals, and CV or previous work; concept and CV text in about 400 Japanese characters or half an A4 page in English. Performance or video proposals may add an MP4; 2 GB in total. Applicants overseas pay by PayPal, invoiced after submission; the application is not accepted if payment is not confirmed by the due date. A representative may apply and pay on an artist's behalf. The production subsidy is the only payment and may include the artist's own fee, travel, accommodation, international shipping, customs and transit insurance; the Executive Committee insures works during the exhibition period. Profits from a work are allocated in discussion with the Executive Committee. Ownership of a selected tangible artwork in principle belongs to the Executive Committee (not events or performances); the proposal's copyright stays with the applicant, and plans and photos may be used for publicity without royalty. First screening by documents, second by interview in person or online, which the artist is generally expected to attend (a site visit may be required); category 2-(2) has a screening performance in fiscal 2027 with different cost conditions. Artists are announced from March 2027, with the final announcement around autumn 2027, and are not individually notified of final results.