PAJ Europe - Performing Arts Japan for Europe grants programme 2019-20

PAJ Europe programme - the Japan Foundation is now accepting proposals for projects, which take place between 1st April 2019 and 30th June 2020, for Touring and Collaboration grants. Organisations in eligible European countries may apply for Japan-related performing arts projects taking place in Europe.

The primary objectives of PAJ Europe are:

- To support the effective introduction of carefully selected Japanese performing arts projects that have a plan for an even geographic coverage across Europe.

- To assist well-envisioned Europe-Japan collaborative projects through the creational phases of new works.

- To encourage educational and outreach activities in addition to the actual performances, such as workshops and residency activities; to acquaint European audiences with Japanese performing arts in the context of their history, culture and development.

The PAJ Europe programme comprises of the following two categories:

TOURING GRANT: assists the presentation process of Japan-related performing arts projects in which the Japanese artist is included in the tour at multiple cities in Europe, with emphasis on locations outside major capital cities where there is no regular exposure to Japanese performing arts. Please note: The PAJ definition of ‘Touring’ means a project that is presented as one continuous tour without large gaps of time between performances.

COLLABORATION GRANT: assists the development stage of a project in which Japanese and European artists work collaboratively in order to create a new work through research, residencies, artists’ discussions etc., that has the potential of being developed into a touring project in the future, enhancing the understanding of Japanese culture when presented to European audiences.

Eligible PAJ European countries: Applications for this programme can only be accepted from organisations based in the following countries – Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Vatican City.

To date, PAJ Europe has funded 143 projects (including 75 touring and 68 collaboration projects) of Japanese performing arts in both traditional and contemporary art forms. In the 2018-2019 fiscal year, 7 projects (2 Touring and 5 Collaboration projects) were selected under the programme, for a total amount of €67,000.

To apply for the programme, please read the full guidelines carefully, and complete the attached Application Form and submit it along with other necessary materials to the relevant Japan Foundation office in Europe no later than 31st October 2018 (receipt deadline)

SEE guidelines for information on which office to submit your application.