#Japan #Tokyo #Young Artists #Tokyo Arts #START Box

Tokyo's START Box Initiative: Opening Doors for Young Artists

The Arts Council Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have launched a remarkable initiative aimed at supporting young artists who find it challenging to secure studio spaces for their creative endeavors. This project, named START Box, provides affordable and accessible workspaces for budding artists in the urban environment of Tokyo. Beginning this April, they are inviting applications for artists looking to utilize their facilities – START Box Sasahatahatsu and START Box Shirahige. This program not only offers a dedicated area for creation but also fosters community engagement and provides opportunities for showcasing artistic works.

Overview of START Box Spaces

• - START Box Sasahatahatsu: Primarily designed as an art studio, it caters to various visual arts including fine art, photography, and media arts.
• - START Box Shirahige: This facility serves a dual purpose, acting as both an art studio and a rehearsal space for performing arts such as theater and dance.

It is important to note that these spaces are offered at reasonable rates and that the START Box in Odaiba does not have any openings for new applications in the fiscal year 2026. For more details, interested parties can visit the official website of START Box or refer to their latest press release.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

The program is open to artists who meet the following qualifications:
1. Must require a workspace for their creative activities.
2. Age range: between 18 and approximately 40 years old.
3. Residents of Tokyo, people working in Tokyo, or those who have graduated from schools in Tokyo.

The application period runs from January 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM until March 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Interested candidates should thoroughly review the application guidelines and submit their applications online.

Selection Process and Notifications

Applicants will be assessed based on the documentation submitted. All individuals who apply will be notified of the results by mid-March 2026, allowing for clear and prompt communication regarding their applications.

What is START Box?

The START Box initiative was established to address one key issue: the difficulty young artists face in accessing studio space. Launched in 2023, this project involves utilizing vacant storefronts within Tokyo’s public housing as working studios. The START Box program has made significant strides by opening START Box Sasahatahatsu in 2023, and a year later in January, they will unveil START Box Shirahige, which will feature a rehearsal space for theatrical arts. To date, 71 artists have benefited from these studios, and up to four groups have utilized the rehearsal area. Some former users of the START Box facilities have gone on to successfully present their works in international exhibitions and competitions, showcasing the potential that these creative spaces hold for artists.

For further information regarding the START Box initiative, visit their official website or check out the following press release (PDF): d38211-998-a789a8e1311987e03911a723fb9de214.pdf.