The Japan Foundation, Bangkok is seeking for project proposals to raise up new ideas and approaches on how to implement and/or experiment cultural exchange projects with us.
The deadline for submissions: By 30 May 2020
Contact application@ba.jpf.go.jp for submission or further inquiries.
Introduction
Solidarity in Social Distancing: Cultural Exchanges in the New Normal Life
The Coronavirus outbreak has spread in many places all over the world. The lockdown has been implemented in order to halt the spread of virus; however, it is placing a pressure on economy and social mechanisms. Just like many sectors, this crisis has disrupted cultural and creative production and gradually shifted the world to “new normal” with the culture of “social distancing.”
Amidst this social distancing, how can we engage in cultural exchanges?
Today, more than ever, the importance of culture and creativity for society is clear. The availability of cultural content and international cultural exchanges contribute to people and social well-being, and ultimately reducing the distrust, misunderstanding, and prejudice catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The real pleasures of cultural exchange experiences are stemmed from the empathies and mutual understanding embodied in the feeling that we have experienced something stimulating together in the physically shared time and space with the people in different cultural background.
The challenges we are facing now are, thus, how we can foster compassion, empathy, and mutual trust through cultural exchanges, and enhancing a feeling of solidarity with deeper mutual understanding in the era of “social distancing,” without relying on the benefits of physical encounters by orthodox cultural exchange practices.
With this kind of circumstance and context, The Japan Foundation, Bangkok would like to invite all of you to join our open calls for new ideas and approaches on how to implement and/or experiment cultural exchange projects with us, so that it could activate the power of the arts, people-to-people exchanges to create the space to spark comprehensive dialogue, fuel inspiration, and build lasting relationships across borders.
These newly initiatives would maintain our international connectivity within and beyond our regional and global network of alumni, partners, and supporters.
Eligibility and Priority
| • | This call is open to any nationality of individuals, teams and non-profit organizations (e.g. universities, research institutes and academic associations, NGO/NPOs). | |
| • | Project site should be in Thailand or implemented via online platform. | |
| • | Project details are expected to promote cultural exchange between Japan-Thailand and/or regional exchange in Asia. |
How to apply
There is no specific application format. Please create a plan with the following contents and submit by e-mail.
| a. | Name of project/idea | |
| b. | Project overview (Purposes, expected results, implementation method, etc.) | |
| c. | Project period | |
| d. | PR Plan | |
| e. | Budget | |
| f. | Division of roles between JFBKK and the applicant |
The e-mail address for submission is application@ba.jpf.go.jp
*Only English applications will be accepted*
How projects are implemented
(The difference from small grant program)
Aside from this new approach, JFBKK offers grant to the various projects for cultural or academic activities concerning Japan, promotion of cultural collaboration and people-to-people exchange under the small grant program. You can find more information on the small grant program here.
This special open call aims to find the possibility to co-organize the project together by the applicant and JFBKK. Selected applicants for this new program will work closely with JFBKK staffs to develop the projects. The budget will be given depending upon the specific needs of the proposal. This program is eligible for both group and individuals.
Submission Deadline
By Saturday, 30 May 2020.