MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL 2026 Launches Outdoor Artwork Call Program 'PUBLIC ART NOW' in Collaboration with Pasona art now

The MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL Executive Committee (comprising Avex Creator Agency Co., Ltd., Area Management TENNOZ, and the Tennozu Canal Side Revitalization Association) and Tokyo Metropolitan Government will host 'MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL 2026' from Friday, October 9 to Monday, October 12, 2026 (4 days) in the Tennozu area of Tokyo.

Today, in collaboration with Pasona art now Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yukari Ohinata), a company specializing in art-integrated environmental design for public spaces, offices, and commercial facilities, the outdoor artwork open call program 'PUBLIC ART NOW' is launched, with submissions now open. (Application form: https://forms.gle/5FYF6b7t8tc6WBt79)

'PUBLIC ART NOW' is an open call program designed to support emerging artists by providing opportunities to present outdoor artworks, while fostering ongoing collaboration between Pasona art now and MEET YOUR ART.

The winning artwork will be displayed as an outdoor installation during 'MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL 2026' and the artist will be offered an opportunity to hold a solo or group exhibition at Pasona art now's gallery in Aoyama. Shortlisted finalists will also be considered for exhibition opportunities at the same gallery, creating pathways for future collaborations and artistic exposure.

MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL is a cross-disciplinary art festival featuring art exhibitions, art fairs, live performances, and markets. Attracting approximately 50,000 visitors, it serves as a platform where art sparks encounters among diverse cultures and people, generating new creativity and dialogue.

The 2026 theme is 'Cultural Emergence'.

Amid a rapidly changing society, the festival aims to gather and visualize subtle signs of new sensibilities and values—cultural currents unique to this time and place.

This program calls for outdoor artworks that embody this theme and become symbolic elements of the festival. We welcome works that, within the limited four-day period, engage the public, prompt pauses and conversations, and create memories—works that leverage the unique scale and spatiality of the venue to become an integral part of the festival’s landscape and visitor experience.

Awards and Prizes

Grand Prize: 1 winner

Prize: ¥500,000 (excluding tax)

Prize Includes: Outdoor installation of one artwork at MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL 2026.

An exhibition (solo or group) planned at the Pasona art now gallery (Aoyama).

Excellence Award: 2 winners

Prize: ¥100,000 (excluding tax)

Prize Includes: An exhibition (solo or group) planned at the Pasona art now gallery (Aoyama).

*Prize money includes production, revision, and honorarium costs.

Application Period

July 14 (Tue), 2026 – July 31 (Fri), 2026

Online Presentation: August 4 (Tue) or August 5 (Wed)

First-round results: Early August 2026 (planned)

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

● Be 35 years old or younger as of October 2026

● Have a record of ongoing art practice and exhibition history

● Individuals or units (with a representative meeting the age requirement)

● Able to participate in meetings and adhere to production and installation schedules after selection

● Able to adjust artwork specifications, installation methods, etc., in consultation with organizers based on display environment and safety requirements

● Available to participate in the online presentation scheduled after document screening

*Schedule: August 4 (Tue) or August 5 (Wed)

Work Requirements

● Existing or new works are both eligible

● Re-creations of existing works with partial changes in size or materials are acceptable

● Works must be structurally sound, durable, and safe for outdoor display (or capable of being adapted)

● Size, installation method, and anchoring may be adjusted in consultation with organizers based on venue conditions

● Display methods may be modified for safety reasons

● Work Dimensions

Basic requirement: Within W2,000mm × D2,000mm × H3,000mm

However, exceptions may be made based on artwork content and installation plan

Must be transportable via 4-ton truck (with crane) or forklift

*Final dimensions and weight subject to venue regulations

Application Method

[Application Form] PUBLIC ART NOW by Pasona art now × MYAF2026

*Please submit the following documents via the web form:

● Portfolio

● CV (biography and exhibition history)

● Materials for proposed artwork (photos, renderings, or model photos)

● Concept statement (400–800 characters)

● Dimensions, materials, weight, and display method

● Production schedule (if applicable)

Selection Criteria

● Concept and expressive power

● Public appeal as public art

● Relevance to MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL

● Feasibility

● Safety and display suitability

[Inquiries regarding PUBLIC ART NOW]

MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL Secretariat Email: [email protected]

MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL 2026 Overview

Name: MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL 2026 (*leave a half-width space before '2026')

Dates: October 9 (Fri) – 12 (Mon, Holiday), 2026

Venue: Tennozu Canal area, Tokyo

Art Exhibition 'REFLUX: The Rising Signs' | Terada Warehouse G1-5F *

Art Fair 'MEET YOUR ARTISTS' | Terada Warehouse B&C HALL

Art Fair 'CO-CROSSOVER -Romantic beyond us (earth)-' | Terada Warehouse D HALL

Live Performances | T-LOTUS M *

Talk Sessions | WHAT CAFE *

Market 'SUPER ART & CRAFT MARKET' | WHAT CAFE / Boardwalk / Bond Street

Hours:

Day 1 (Oct 9): 16:00 – 21:30

(*Market and live performances only; art areas open for viewing until closing)

Day 2 (Oct 10): 11:00 – 20:00

Day 3 (Oct 11): 11:00 – 20:00

Day 4 (Oct 12): 11:00 – 18:00

1DAY TICKET: Ticket sales: https://avex.jp/meetyourart/festival/tic