A new craft movement. Submissions are now open for the international open call exhibition, "International Craft Award Toyama"!
Submissions are now open for the "International Craft Award Toyama," an open call exhibition for young "craftspeople"—artisans, craftspeople, and designers under 50 years old—with a deadline of January 10, 2020.
This award builds on the success of the "U-50 International Hokuriku Craft Award" held in Toyama Prefecture in FY2017, and will be held for three years starting this fiscal year.
Applications are accepted for works that demonstrate expressive power and originality, utilizing traditional techniques and materials from craft traditions around the world, and that involve "handwork" in their production process.
This year, the open call and first round of judging will take place, followed by the second round of judging, exhibition, and awards ceremony in FY2020. A program for exchange between award winners and local craftspeople/companies is also planned. In FY2021, a collaborative production program for works will be planned, building on the previous year's exchange program.
The "International Craft Award Toyama" will create the future and possibilities of craft, serving as an opportunity to launch a "new craft movement" from Toyama.
"International Craft Award Toyama": Seeking "Handwork" from Around the World to Launch a New Craft Movement from Toyama!
◆ Event Overview
1. Application Deadline: Friday, January 10, 2020
2. Prize Money: Grand Prize: 1 winner (group) ¥2 million / Excellence Award: 1 winner (group) ¥500,000 / Encouragement Award: 4 winners (groups) ¥300,000 / SOMPO Japan Nipponkoa Special Award: 1 winner (group) ¥300,000
3. Benefits: The Grand Prize winning work will be acquired by the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art. Award winners will also be invited (planned) to exchange programs and collaborative production programs with local craftspeople and companies to be held from FY2020 onwards.
4. How to Apply: Official websitehttps://kogeiaward.jp/Enter via
【Three Objectives of This Award】
To comprehensively evaluate and encourage not only craft works, expressions, and techniques, but also the individual craftspeople's philosophies, approaches, strategies, practices, and future outlooks regarding craft.
To re-examine the fixed notions of traditional crafts from a fresh perspective, capture the global trend of craft becoming borderless or interdisciplinary, create opportunities for international networks and collaborations, and envision the future of craft from these initiatives.
To provide an opportunity for many people to learn about and understand the global situation and new trends surrounding craft through this award.
◆ Application Guidelines
1. Eligibility: (1) Under 50 years old (as of the first round judging deadline, January 10, 2020), (2) No nationality restrictions, (3) Individuals or groups engaged in craft production, such as artists, craftspeople, or designers.
2. Eligible Works: (1) Works from around the world that are rich in expressive power and originality, utilizing techniques and materials cultivated through craft traditions.
(2) Must involve handwork in the production process.
(3) Unpublished works created on or after January 10, 2015. Not previously submitted to other public exhibitions.
(4) Works created using metal, lacquer, wood, paper, fabric, ceramics, glass, leather, or other materials (or combinations thereof).
(5) Works can be three-dimensional or two-dimensional. The sum of the three dimensions must not exceed 300 cm. Weight must not exceed 20 kg. (Includes frames, dedicated stands, etc., in dimensions and weight).
(6) One entry per person (group).
3. Schedule: First Round Judging: Mid-February 2020 (Selection of shortlisted works, which will be exhibited at the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art)
Second Round Judging: Late May 2020 (Selection of award winners)
Exhibition: Late May to Early July 2020 (approx. 2 months) *At the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art
Awards Ceremony: Late June
4. Inquiries regarding applications: International Craft Award Toyama Executive Office (within PCO Inc.)
Tel. 076-461-3288 E-mail. kogei-toyama@pcojapan.jp
We warmly welcome applications from "craftspeople" who embody the unique charm of "craft"—a fusion of tradition and innovation—and are actively practicing new craft endeavors!
For details and application methods, please visit our website.
[Top Image]: Work created through a collaborative creation program by Grand Prize winner Takakuni Kawahara
International Craft Award Toyama Executive Office (within PCO Inc.)
Tel. 076-461-3288
https://kogeiaward.jp