Call for Participants: KYOTO Gathering for Asian Art Students
2025.07.04
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Event Concept
KYOTO Gathering for Asian Art Students is a three-day conference with accommodation provided, bringing together students from Southeast and East Asia to deepen their mutual understanding and their region at large within the context of the contemporary art world. The event aims to reexamine Western-centric narratives in art and provide opportunities for practical learning and meaningful connections through discussions on global art trends, individual research interests, and career pathways.Since the 1990s, contemporary art has undergone rapid global expansion, with models of museums, art festivals, and art fairs emerging across various regions—including Asia, which has seen remarkable economic growth. At the same time, recent global disruptions such as the pandemic and ongoing political and economic instability have cast uncertainty over the future for the next generation of creators. In an age of overwhelming digital information, even imagining “what the world is” and “where we truly stand” has become increasingly difficult.
In response to this situation, the KYOTO Gathering for Asian Art Students seeks to foster real human relationships among young artists and curators, offering a space to collectively envision alternative futures.
The first edition of KYOTO Gathering for Asian Art Students will take place over three days from Wednesday, November 12 to Friday, November 14, 2025. We are calling for 30 participants from both within and outside of Japan —graduate students and fourth-year undergraduate students currently studying at art universities across Asia. This new initiative aims to foster the creation of a next-generation network for art in Asia. Applications are now open, and we look forward to your participation.
Event Details
Dates: Wed, November 12 – Fri, November 14, 2025Venue: Kyoto University of the Arts
Theme: Flipping Point: Looking Back at the World from Asia
Number of Participants: 30 total (15 domestic, 15 international)
Program Details: The program will include Group Discussions, Keynote Talks by Guest Speakers, Kyoto Excursion, Networking Sessions.
Participation Fees: Free of charge *Please refer to the application guidelines for details.
Organized by: ICA Kyoto, Kyoto University of the Arts Graduate School
Supported by: The Japan Foundation
Application Guidelines
Eligibility: Graduate students and 4th-year undergraduate students enrolled in art universities in Southeast Asia and East Asia.*Domestic participants from Japan must be able to attend the kick-off meeting (hybrid format) on Sat, August 23. How to Apply: Please complete and submit the application form linked on this page.
*The form includes questions such as your motivation for applying, so please allow sufficient time to complete it. Required Documents: Please upload a portfolio or research material (PDF, A4 size, under 10MB) via the application form.
Application Deadline: Monday, July 28, 2025, 23:59 (JST) The results will be announced on Tuesday, August 5.
If you are considering applying, please be sure to read the application guidelines below.
Application Guidelines (JN)
Application Guidelines (EN)
Application Form
Applicants residing in Japan: Please use the Application Form (For Participants from Japan) linked here.*International students currently living in Japan should also use this form.
Applicants residing outside Japan: Please use the Application Form (For Participants from Outside Japan) linked here