REFLEKTOR Tokyo 2027 — Curatorial Open Call

Organisation: Goethe-Institut Tokyo
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Support: Project budget of up to JPY 900,000
Exhibition duration: Up to six weeks, plus installation and deinstallation
Application deadline: 6 November 2026

About the Open Call

The Goethe-Institut Tokyo invites emerging curators to propose exhibition projects for REFLEKTOR 2027, an open call dedicated to rethinking cultural dialogue between Germany and Japan.

Hosted at the experimental exhibition space Goethe Gallery Tokyo, the programme welcomes curatorial concepts that emphasise exchange, participation and artistic experimentation.

REFLEKTOR supports a wide range of formats, including traditional exhibitions, multimedia installations, performances and hybrid approaches. The gallery aims to serve as a space for emerging perspectives and encounters between cultures.

What Is Offered

Selected curators will receive:

• An exhibition at Goethe Gallery Tokyo, lasting up to six weeks.
• A project budget of up to JPY 900,000.
• An additional budget for exhibition title wall printing.
• Accommodation in Tokyo for one person during installation week, subject to availability.
• The option to organise an opening reception.
• One week each for installation and deinstallation.

Eligibility

The open call is aimed at curators working in visual arts and related fields who:

• Are based in Japan.
• Have up to five years of professional curatorial experience.
• Are interested in developing projects exploring Japanese–German cultural dialogue.

Project Expectations

Proposals should present a curatorial concept centred on exchange between Japan and Germany, including a proposed artist list and project budget.

Selected curators will be responsible for developing and producing their exhibitions within the available resources, coordinating with participating artists and overseeing on-site implementation.

Projects should also incorporate accompanying public programmes, such as artist talks, workshops or digital activities.

Accessibility and diversity will be considered during the selection process. Projects must be non-commercial.

Exhibition Periods

Applicants may propose projects for one or more of the following periods:

• 12 June – 25 July 2027
• 16 October – 28 November 2027
• 22 January – 5 February 2028
• 19 February – 2 March 2028

The selected projects are expected to be announced in early to mid-January 2027.

Image: Courtesy of Goethe-Institut Tokyo.