Kikuchi Biennale XI

Eligibility

Applicant who works in the field of ceramics
Applicant who is able to use English or Japanese

Note on Accepted Work

We accept a submission of one ceramic artwork created by the applicant. One set of works will be counted as one work. The submitted work must be created within one year of the submission date and must not be publicized on occasions such as another competition, solo or group exhibitions. There is no limit on size. However, the submitted work must be able to be carried and placed without the support of special equipment. 

Application Fee

6,000 Japanese yen

※Payment method: credit card or bank transfer via the online application form.
※Please note that bank transfers are only available from Japanese banks. Any transaction fees will be borne by the applicant.
※Non-refundable once the transaction is complete.

【When Selecting the Bank Transfer Option】
After completing your bank transfer, you will receive an automatic e-mail titled, “Kikuchi Foundation receipt” or “Kikuchi Foundation の領収書“.
※Your online application page will only be made available after the bank transfer goes through. However, as it may take 0-3 business days for the bank transfer to be processed, please plan to complete your payment ahead of the deadline.
※As the bank transfer is conducted through Stripe, the account name will be titled, “Stripe Japan” or “ストライプジャパン”.

Application Method

The first selection process is conducted through examining images and supplementary texts on the artwork.

Applicant is requested to fill out an application form and then upload the images of the artwork.

• Application flow: Pay the application fee → Upload the artwork images along with the supplementary texts of the artwork → Provide applicant’s information.
  Information on your account, including the images and texts, can be modified until the deadline.
• Content of the application form include: Applicant’s personal details (Full name, address, contact information, date of birth), Textual information on the artwork (Title of the artwork, size, intent of creating the artwork, techniques and method of firing, estimated value for insurance), Information on the applicant’s past artworks (optional), and résumé
  ※Please note that the texts submitted for the “intent of creating the artwork” section will be shared with the public for the Kikuchi Biennale exhibition.
• The images of the artwork must include the main shot (pictured from the front). Additionally, applicants may attach two other images from different angles. In those images, please capture how the works should be displayed. (placed on the ground, hung on the wall, etc.)
  

  ※Images must be in jpg format. Each image should be 8 MB or less. Recommended size is 2304×1728 pixels.
  ※Please title the image pictured from the front as, “Entry Work Main” and the images pictured from different angles as, “Supplementary 1” and “Supplementary 2”.
  ※Videos are not accepted.

• Starting from this Kikuchi Biennale XI, applicants may attach up to three other artworks, produced in the past for reference. (optional)
  

  ※Images must be in jpg format. Each image should be 8 MB or less. Recommended size is 2304×1728 pixels.
  ※Please title the images of artworks produced in the past as, “Past Artwork 1”, “Past Artwork 2”, and “Past Artwork 3”.
  ※Videos are not accepted.

Selection Process

The first selection process result: 2025, July 22nd (Tuesday)

The first selection process is conducted through digital images and supplementary texts (information on the artwork). After determining the result of the first stage, applicants will be notified via e-mail and postal mail. Those who have passed the first selection process will receive necessary information regarding sending/delivering the artwork. Applicants will have roughly one month to send/deliver their artworks for the second selection process.

The second selection process result: 2025, September 4th (Thursday)

The second selection process is conducted through physical examination of the artwork. Applicants will be requested to send or deliver their artworks to the designated address for the second selection process. The final result will be notified via e-mail and postal mail.

Sending/Delivering the Artwork

1. Applicants who passed the first selection process will be requested to send or deliver their artworks at their own expense (including the customs clearance fees).
2. As a general understanding, the artwork is expected to be returned in the same way it was sent/delivered. 
3. The return cost for the selected artwork will be paid at the organizer’s expense (Domestic or International).
4. The return cost for the non-selected artwork should be paid at the applicant’s expense (Domestic or International). 
5. If the artwork is brought in directly, the return method should be the same.
6. For artwork that is delivered by other methods than those mentioned above, the organizers will consult with the applicant on the returning method. The cost for this return will be borne as mentioned in the above items 3 and 4. 

Submission Period

Open: 2025, June 1st (Sunday)

Deadline: 2025, June 30th (Monday)

Prizes and Special Recognitions

One Grand Prize: 2,000,000 yen
One Merit Prize: 500,000 yen
Three Honorable Mentions: 150,000 yen

※Grand Prize artwork will become a part of Tomo Museum’s permanent collection.
※All applicants whose works are accepted in the Biennale Exhibition (including the prizewinners) will be given a certificate and an exhibition catalog.

Exhibition

On Display from 2025, December 13th (Saturday) to 2026, March 22nd (Sunday)
Location:Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum (4-1-35, Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN)
Organized by: Kikuchi Foundation
Supported by: Nanyushosha Co., Ltd.

Judges

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