FAQ
All cultural information we are able to provide is posted on the Culture Centre website. For other information, please refer to the Australian Embassy website.
1. What does the Embassy do for Australian arts in Japan?
The Public Diplomacy Section of the Australian Embassy Tokyo is part of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and has a proactive cultural program which aims to promote Australia's vibrant and diverse society in Japan.
Our key goals in Japan are to:
- promote positive perceptions and a greater understanding of contemporary Australia;
- create greater awareness of, and larger audiences for, contemporary Australian arts and culture;
- cultivate a long-lasting deeper understanding of Australia as a country of sophistication, diversity, creativity and innovation.
We work with relevant Australian and Japanese Government agencies and arts organisations to increase opportunities for the Australian arts industry as a whole and to foster strong cultural links between our two countries.
We publicise individual Australian cultural events in Japan through the "What's On" event list on this website. If you have an event/activity you wish to register on the Embassy website "What's On" events list, please send all relevant information to cultural.tokyo@dfat.gov.au.
The Embassy cannot facilitate programs or appointments for individual artists/arts administrators seeking opportunities in Japan, nor can we organise visas, travel, accommodation or freight for visitors to Japan.
2. I wish to secure an exhibition of my work in Japan, and I would like the Embassy to advise me of which organisations I should approach and organise introductions for me.
This website has been created to help individuals gain access more easily to information on the Japanese arts scene, and provides contact details for a range of public and private organisations and institutions.
The Embassy does not have exhibition space.
The "Culture Map of Japan" is a tool for all Australian arts professionals who wish to explore possible future activities in Japan. Here you can easily find accessible information on potential Japanese partners. Institutions where Australia-related events have taken place since the year 2000 are also highlighted.
The Embassy cannot service individual artists/arts administrators or arrange programs or appointments for individuals seeking opportunities in Japan. Rather, in partnership with Australian and Japanese Government agencies and arts organisations, we work to increase opportunities for the Australian arts industry as a whole.
3. What can the Embassy do for Australian artists who want to work in Japan or Australians interested in the Japanese arts scene?
This web site seeks to provide comprehensive information and links for Australian arts personnel interested in Japan, including artists, curators and producers.
"Cultural Festivals in Japan" provides a list of upcoming festivals and events that may be of interest to Australian artists, and "Cultural Opportunities in Japan" provides useful links about working and living in Japan.
4. Can the Embassy provide funding for my art event?
The Embassy does not provide such funding. However, "Cultural Opportunities in Japan" contains links to Australian and Japanese funding organisations.
We would encourage artists and arts administrators to apply to the listed arts funding bodies, including:
5. Can the Embassy help me get a visa, accommodation, make travel arrangements or organise my event including clearing my freight?
The Australian Embassy cannot organise visas, travel or accommodation, or freight for visitors to Japan. Visa information can be found at the Embassy of Japan in Australia website.
The Embassy does not provide direct funding or organise individual art events. However links to funding organisations in both Australia and Japan are provided on the "Cultural Opportunities in Japan" page.
6. Can the Embassy help promote my event?
The Embassy produces the "What's On" events list. If you provide details of your event at least one month prior to the event, along with some digital photos, we will endeavour to post the event on our webpage as well as in any e-newsletters. Flyers or postcards can be forwarded to us for display at the Embassy.
Should you wish to promote your event in the media this website will provide a list of mass media outlets.
7. I am interested in participating in the Australia House project at Echigo-Tsumari. Can you provide me with some information on the project?
Australia House, located in one of the beautiful villages which host the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, is a base for Australia-Japan cultural exchange, artist- and curator-in-residence programs and art exhibitions.
Please access the Australia House official website for more information.
Residency grants are offered on an irregular basis. However, proposals for self-funded residencies and projects may be sent to cultural.tokyo@dfat.gov.au.
8. Does the Embassy provide letters of introduction or references?
The links in "Cultural Opportunities in Japan" are useful for establishing contacts in Japan. The Embassy cannot provide letters of introduction or references.
9. Can the Embassy give me some advice on visiting galleries, exhibitions and performances in Japan?
The "What's On" events list, the "Cultural Festivals in Japan" and the "Culture Map of Japan" pages provide information on what is happening in Japan at various galleries and performance venues.
10. I am an Australian artist wanting to donate a work to a Japanese art museum. Will the Embassy write a letter of support to the museum?
Each museum has its own approach and assessment criteria regarding offers to donate works of art. The Embassy respects the independence of the museums in this regard. Therefore, we do not provide letters of support to museums on behalf of artists.
