Grant News

The Arts Council of Wales, in partnership with British Council Wales and supported by the Welsh Government, has announced the Year of Wales Japan 2025 Cultural Fund. This initiative aims to strengthen artistic collaborations between Wales and Japan, fostering long-term relationships between artists, arts organisations, and cultural practitioners.

A total of £150,000 is available, with grants ranging from £1,000 to £40,000. Tier 1 offers grants between £1,000 and £10,000, anticipating 8-10 smaller awards, while Tier 2 provides up to £40,000, expecting 1-2 larger awards.

Eligible applicants include individual arts practitioners and arts organisations based in Wales, who have a partner in Japan and can deliver the proposed activity between April and December 2025.

The fund seeks to support projects that develop mutually beneficial artistic links, present work connecting audiences in both countries, focus on language, arts, health and wellbeing, or explore sustainability and global responsibility. Priority is given to activities in Himeji, Kitakyushu, Oita, Osaka, or Hokkaido, where there will be particular Welsh Government focus during the Year of Wales and Japan 2025.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by the 5th March 2025, with notifications of awards in principle by the 14th March 2025. To apply, applicants are required to complete a short Expression of Interest form and return it to info@wai.org.uk.

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