Arts Council Tokyo Launches 'Regional Collaboration-type Exercise Project' to Foster Next-Generation Cultural Practitioners

A Practical Exercise Program for Learning at the Forefront of Art Projects

The Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Arts Council Tokyo, together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is collaborating with arts and culture organizations that deploy art projects throughout Tokyo to launch the "Regional Collaboration-type Exercise Project," aimed at creating practitioners who support arts and cultural activities.

This project is an exercise program where participants immerse themselves in the actual sites of community art projects for practical learning. By fostering cultural practitioners active in the community, the program aims to connect regions and people through art, striving to realize an inclusive society where everyone can enjoy arts and culture in the places they live. This human resource development platform, which connects active practitioners in the region with individuals interested in art projects, will foster the next generation of leaders while simultaneously creating opportunities for the entire community to familiarize itself with arts and culture.

A key feature of this project is the emphasis on practical learning alongside arts and culture organizations firmly rooted in the community. Through these exercises, it serves as a place to acquire living knowledge on how to build relationships with the community and how to advance art projects.

Through this exercise program, students will discover their "own approach to cultural activities" and build the foundation to take independent action and remain continuously engaged in cultural activities within society.

This Year's Learning Site: Tama New Town

The Regional Collaboration-type Exercise Project for FY2026 will be deployed with Tama New Town as its field. Currently, numerous creators and artists associated with the area are active there. They practice arts and cultural activities while being closely connected to the community through their daily lives.

Tama New Town, where the community and arts and culture are loosely connected, possesses richness as a fertile ground for nurturing cultural practitioners.

About "Tama New Town Study"

This year's exercise program will implement the "Tama New Town Study," using Tama New Town as the field.

Serving as the secretariat, "Studio Megane," an architectural design office based in Tama New Town, is in charge of planning and production. It is a practical learning program created alongside three mentors who practice cultural activities in the Tama region.

As a team thinking about cultural practice called "Yokomichi Collective," students will engage with the community alongside mentors and the secretariat. Through group work and discussions featuring guests, they will find their own way to involve themselves in art projects. Through the exercises, they will deepen their interest in the region, come into contact with the perspectives of practitioners active in the field, and gain experience in driving projects forward themselves.

"Tama New Town Study" Event Overview

Schedule Group work (4 sessions): July 25 (Sat) / 26 (Sun), August 29 (Sat), September 26 (Sat), November 14 (Sat), 2026 *The first session is held over two days Final presentation (1 session): December 13 (Sun) Guest Critique (3 sessions): Scheduled for August, September, and November. ▶ Additionally, exhibiting at events and planning/operations are also scheduled. ▶ For details, please check the application web form below after applications open.

Location: Meet / Eat / Culture "Ochiau" (4-16-1-101 Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo), and various locations in Tama New Town ■ Tuition Fee: 48,000 yen (General) / 30,000 yen (Students, excluding adult working students) ■ Organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Arts Council Tokyo ■ Planning and Production: Studio Megane (studiomegane architects inc.) ■ Cooperation: Tama City, Urban Renaissance Agency (UR), New Town Center Development Co., Ltd., New Machizukurisha General Incorporated Association

Application Guidelines

Target Audience | Individuals aged 18 and older interested in art projects and regional arts and cultural activities, who wish to learn practically in the field. Capacity | Approx. 25 people Eligibility | Aged 18 and older Selection Method | Document screening and online interview [Interview Dates: 1 day between July 9 (Thu) - 12 (Sun)] Application Method | Apply via web form (https://forms.gle/jDoPragJiiXuwnUU9) Application Period | From 12:00 PM on May 28, 2026 (Thu) to 1:00 PM on June 22, 2026 (Mon)

Advance Briefing Session Overview

● Town Walk Briefing Session Date & Time | June 6 (Sat), 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM *Will take place rain or shine. Canceled in case of severe weather. Meeting Place | In front of the West Ticket Gate, Odakyu Tama Center Station Content | After an explanation of the exercise program, a town walk to the shopping district within Tama New Town. Application Method | Reservation required. Apply via web form (https://forms.gle/21QebBDNRVjrTXXJ6)

● Online Briefing Session Date & Time | June 13 (Sat), 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Format | No reservation required. Online via Zoom.