In a significant initiative to support young artists, the Arts Council Tokyo, in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, has launched a new creative space dubbed "START Box" in Sumida Ward. This project aims to provide necessary studio space to emerging artists facing difficulties securing their own creative environments, ensuring they have the resources to continue their artistic endeavors.
The newly opened START Box in Sumida, located at the Toei Shirahige East Apartment on Tsutsumi Street, follows the successful launches of similar spaces at Sasahata Hatsu and Odaiba. The facility not only provides traditional artistic studios but has also been equipped with rehearsal spaces for performing arts, catering to theater and dance practitioners. With an eye toward fostering a supportive community, the START Box initiative is inviting applications from artists seeking a venue for creation and collaboration.
Application Details
1.
Facility Location
The START Box Shirahige is situated on the first floor of the Toei Shirahige East Apartment, at 3-2 Tsutsumi-dori, Sumida Ward, Tokyo. It's conveniently about a 12-minute walk from Higashi Mukojima Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line.
For additional information about the installation, prospective applicants can refer to the official START Box website or the accompanying press release.
2.
Target Art Fields
There are two main categories for applicants:
- Visual arts, including disciplines like painting, photography, and media art.
- Performing arts, notably theater and dance, which is a new addition to the program.
3.
Application Period
Applications are open from 2:00 PM on October 9, 2025, until 12:00 PM on November 17, 2025.
4.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must need a space for creative activities.
- Candidates should be aged between 18 to approximately 40 years.
- They must reside, work, or have graduated from a school in Tokyo.
Further details about eligibility can be found in the recruitment guidelines provided in subsequent pages.
5.
Application Process
Interested individuals are encouraged to review the specified recruitment guidelines and submit their applications online.
6.
Selection Process
Selection will be made based on the submitted documents, and all applicants will be notified of the results by early December 2025.
The START Box program is a vital resource for supporting young artists in their creative pursuits, enabling them to produce, interact, and showcase their work. Since its inception in 2023, with the establishment of START Box Sasahata Hatsu and START Box Odaiba, the initiative has already attracted participation from 63 artists. With the recent addition of START Box Shirahige, the program now boasts three studios aimed at nurturing the talents and careers of a new generation of artists.
For detailed insights, please visit the official START Box website or review the provided press release (in PDF format) for more information about this exciting opportunity.