In a vibrant celebration of creativity, the Tokyo Artist Accelerator Program (TAAP) will host a significant art event in Tokyo, offering a dynamic platform for emerging artists. This stage will allow selected artists to engage with a diverse audience that includes esteemed gallerists, influential curators, and dedicated collectors from both Japan and abroad, fostering connections that may advance their careers.
What is TAAP Live
Presentation stage: For this event, ten talented artists will each have a unique opportunity to present their work in a concise ten-minute format. During these presentations, they will discuss their artistic journeys and share the results of ongoing dialogues with committee members and mentors, who bring a wealth of knowledge from various backgrounds including galleries, arts education, collecting, and contemporary art specialization.
Work in progress (exhibition): Attendees will also experience an exhibition showcasing the evolving concepts, activities, and processes of each selected artist, providing a deeper context to their presentations, and allowing the audience to appreciate the intricacies and evolution of their works.
What is Tokyo Artist Accelerator Program (TAAP)
TAAP is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists within the fields of fine and visual arts, aiming to propel them toward success in the competitive art market. By emphasizing the importance of self-expression, the program helps artists refine their ability to articulate their visions while enhancing the conceptual foundations of their work. TAAP offers flexible production support grants to selected artists alongside eight months of continuous mentoring from various experts in contemporary art, creating valuable opportunities for these young talents to present their work and insights to art professionals both locally and internationally (TAAP Live).
Venue
Hall A, Toda Hall & Conference Tokyo
4th Floor, Toda Building
1-7-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Date and time
Presentation stage
The presentations are scheduled for November 9 & 10, 2024, from 1 to 4:30 PM, with an exclusive invitation-only event on November 11. Each of the ten supported artists will take the stage to articulate their creative endeavors and receive constructive feedback from the esteemed selection committee members and mentors.
Work in progress (exhibition)
The exhibition will take place on November 9 & 10, 2024, from 11 AM to 7 PM, with the last admission at 6:30 PM, and will continue on November 12, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM, with the last admission at 2:30 PM. November 11 will also be an invitation-only day.
Showing artists
This term’s cohort of supported artists in the Tokyo Artist Accelerator Program (TAAP) includes talents such as Aoi Uni, Mio Amakusa, Shu Isaka, Hitomi Usui, Koichi Sato, Toru Takano, Kento Terada, MOYAN, Shota Yamauchi, and Hwajin Lee, showcasing a diverse array of artistic styles and vision.
Selection committee
The committee comprises a distinguished group of professionals, including Anna Ueda, curator at Artizon Museum, Ryudai Takano, photographer and professor at Tokyo Zokei University, Miwa Taguchi, co-founder of the Taguchi Art Collection, Masako Hosoi, Gallery Director at TARO NASU, and Eiichi Yamaguchi, representative director of Art Powers Japan Association, among others, who bring their expertise to support the artists.
Mentors
The mentoring team features prominent figures in the art world, such as Taro Amano, chief curator of Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, art critic Daisuke Awata, artist Kyoko Ebata, Mahiko Kobayashi, director of biscuit gallery, and Yukiko Fujimoto, representative director of Bookend Publishing Co., providing invaluable guidance and insights.
Organizers
The event is organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in collaboration with Arts Council Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, aiming to create a nurturing environment for artistic expression and cultural exchange.
Arts Council Tokyo
Kudan First Place 8F, 4-1-28, Kudankita,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0073, Japan
Hours: Monday–Friday. 10 AM–6 PM / T: +81 (0)3 6256 8853 / Website / X: @TAAP_PR / Instagram: taap_pr / YouTube: here. For press: If you have any press inquiries about this event, please contact TAAP Secretariat. =(c=c.charCodeAt(0)+13)?c:c-26);});return false”>info [at] taap.art.
**Interview with Anna Ueda, Curator at Artizon Museum and Member of the Selection Committee for the Tokyo Artist Accelerator Program (TAAP)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Anna. The Tokyo Artist Accelerator Program, or TAAP, is creating quite a buzz in the art community. Can you share a bit about why this program is so vital for emerging artists today?
**Anna Ueda:** Thank you for having me! TAAP is incredibly important because it provides young artists with the necessary tools and support to articulate their artistic visions. In a competitive market, having a platform where they can showcase their work and engage directly with art professionals is invaluable. It fosters a sense of community and allows for meaningful connections that can launch their careers.
**Editor:** What can attendees expect from the upcoming TAAP Live Presentation stage?
**Anna Ueda:** The TAAP Live Presentation stage promises to be an exciting experience. Each of the ten selected artists will have ten minutes to present their work, discuss their artistic journeys, and share insights they’ve gained from our ongoing mentorship. This brief yet impactful format allows artists to practice self-presentation and receive constructive feedback from the committee, which is instrumental for their growth.
**Editor:** That sounds like a fantastic opportunity for the artists. Can you tell us about the Work in Progress exhibition occurring alongside the presentations?
**Anna Ueda:** Certainly! The Work in Progress exhibition showcases the evolving ideas, processes, and activities of the participating artists. It gives the audience a deeper understanding of their artistic journey and highlights the intricacies behind their work. It’s a chance to witness how their concepts develop and how they respond to feedback over the course of the program.
**Editor:** With an impressive panel of mentors and a diverse group of artists, how do you find the selection process for TAAP participants?
**Anna Ueda:** The selection process is always rigorous but rewarding. We look for artists who demonstrate a unique vision and a commitment to their craft. Each member of the committee brings a different area of expertise, and together, we assess the proposals based on artistic merit, innovation, and potential for growth. It’s fascinating to see the diverse artistic expressions from our selected artists this term, from Aoi Uni to Hwajin Lee.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of TAAP and its impact on the art community?
**Anna Ueda:** I believe TAAP will continue to play a significant role in nurturing young talent in the art community. By providing structured support and exposure, we hope to empower artists and foster a new generation of storytellers in the arts. Our ultimate goal is to see these artists thrive both locally and internationally and to contribute to the vibrant art scene in Japan and beyond.
**Editor:** Thank you, Anna, for sharing your insights. We look forward to the presentations and the exhibition in November!
**Anna Ueda:** My pleasure! I’m excited for everyone to experience the creativity and passion of these talented artists.
