History of TOKAS

Overview

Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS) is a facility and residency program run by the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. The organization was established in 2001 as Tokyo Wonder Site and has evolved through several restructurings to become a comprehensive arts facility with multiple locations.

Facilities

• Tokyo Arts and Space Hongo: 2-4-16 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku. Three exhibition rooms, a lounge and other rooms. Established December 25th, 2001.
• Tokyo Arts and Space Residency: 2-14-7 Tatekawa, Sumida-ku. 12 guest rooms, two studios, a library, a lounge and other rooms. Established September 28th, 2014.
• Tokyo Arts and Space Office: 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku. Located in MOT.

Key Dates

• August 1st, 2001: Tokyo Wonder Site Committee established
• December 25th, 2001: TWS (Hongo) opened
• April 1st, 2005: Joint management by Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture began
• May 29th, 2005: TWS Shibuya Art Cafe opened
• July 22nd, 2005: TWS Shibuya opened
• June 3rd, 2006: Short-term residence pilot program started
• November 7th, 2006: TWS Aoyama: Creator-in-Residence opened
• September 28th, 2014: TWS Residence opened after trial period
• April 1st, 2017: TWS became the Arts Program and Residency Division of MOT
• October 1st, 2017: TWS renamed Tokyo Arts and Space
• 2018: Tokyo Contemporary Art Award founded by TOKAS and Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Past Programs

TOKAS has operated numerous programs supporting artists including Tokyo Wonder Wall (open call exhibitions for artists up to age 35), Wonder Seeds (supporting young artists through sales), TEAM (exhibitions of talented emerging artists), On Site Lab (experimental program with learning and interaction), Emerging Artist Support Program (open call for exhibition projects), Tokyo Experimental Festival (cross-genre platform for performances and exhibitions), and Emerging Artist Support Program Music (Master Class and International Ensemble Modern Academy programs).