The Tokyu Foundation Establishes a New Art Award: Discovering and Nurturing Artists and Those Who Support Regional Culture
The Tokyu Foundation has established a new art award to discover and support artists and those who sustain regional culture, and applications are now open.Summary
The Tokyu Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation, has established a new art award called the Tokyu Foundation Art Award, with applications open until November 30, 2026. The award has two categories: Category A for artists engaged in pioneering creative work, and Category B for curators, producers, educators, and others working to enhance regional cultural capacity. There are no age or nationality restrictions, and individuals or groups based in Japan are eligible to apply. Approximately five awards are planned across both categories, with each recipient receiving 2 million yen.
The award is rooted in the Goto Memorial Cultural Foundation's Goto Memorial Cultural Award New Artist Prize, which was established in 1990 and supported overseas training and post-return presentations in opera and art before ending. Following its conclusion, the Tokyu Foundation launched new arts and culture programs from fiscal year 2026, inheriting the philosophy of former Tokyu Chairman Noboru Goto that "human happiness lies not only in working but in enjoying life and deepening richness." The award is based on the foundation's founding purpose of contributing to a truly affluent society through the discovery, nurturing, and support of outstanding talent.
Category B notably expands recognition beyond artists to include curators and others, such as producers using art for community development and educators nurturing artists rooted in local communities. The selection evaluates how applicants' activities have engaged with society, whether their work reflects contemporary social issues and changing values, and whether their message clearly reaches viewers. The foundation aims to spotlight those with ability who have not yet received sufficient recognition or opportunities. Evaluation focuses on the applicant's overall body of work and activities, not a single piece, and the 2 million yen prize is not limited to production costs for an award exhibition but can be used at the recipient's discretion. No new work is required for application.
The selection process has two stages: a document screening in January 2027, with results notified by early February, and online interviews in March. An award ceremony will be held in July 2027 at 8/COURT on the 8th floor of Shibuya Hikarie, with Category A recipients exhibiting works and Category B recipients giving public presentations at Bunkamura Gallery 8/ on the same floor. Applications are limited to one per person or group, choosing one category, and may include PDF materials, a video of up to one minute, and URLs. The selection committee consists of five members: independent curator Kaho Ikeda, contemporary artist Aiko Miyanaga, Tokyo University of the Arts associate professor and Arts Maebashi chief curator Takenori Miyamoto, Yamaide Art Office CEO Junya Yamaide, and Tokyu Bunka Mura executive officer Ken Yorimoto. Miyanaga is herself a past recipient of the predecessor Goto Memorial Cultural Award New Artist Prize.
(Source：ARTnews JAPAN)