Become part of a prestigious international project and discover Japan through your camera lens!
Trenčín 2026, in collaboration with the Japanese organization EU-Japan Fest, announces an open call for photographers from Slovakia to take part in a unique residency opportunity in Japan.
This project is part of the renowned international program European Eyes on Japan | Japan Today, which has been showcasing contemporary Japanese culture through the eyes of European artists since 1999.
The selected photographer will have the opportunity to spend at least three weeks in one of Japan’s prefectures, capturing everyday life and creating a photo series that will be published and exhibited both in Japan and Europe—including in Trenčín and Oulu, the European Capitals of Culture 2026.
Who are we looking for?
This open call is for photographers who:
✔ Have a strong artistic approach and reflect on the role of photography in contemporary society.
✔ Are capable of creating a cohesive photo series and preparing both an exhibition and a photographic publication.
✔ Have not previously lived in Japan.
✔ Have experience in creating photographic books and exhibitions.
What do we offer?
✔ A residency in Japan during 2025 (minimum 3 weeks).
✔ The publication of an original photographic book and exhibitions in Trenčín, Oulu, and Japan.
✔ Participation in a prestigious international network of photographers and artists.
Participation conditions
After the exhibition in Japan, the photographs will be donated to the respective prefecture and the city of Higashikawa in Hokkaido, home to the Higashikawa International Photography Festival.
How to apply?
📩 Submit your application by March 31, 2025, at 23:59 by filling out the form, including:
✔ Your CV
✔ Your portfolio
✔ A short statement about your residency concept
Selection of Applicants
From the submitted applications, a professional jury will select three finalists, from whom the final winner will be chosen by the Japanese side. The jury members are:
📷 Martin Kollár – photographer
📷 Tomáš Pospěch – photographer and theorist
📷 Olja Triaška Stefanović – photographer
Let Japan inspire you and become part of a cultural dialogue through the lens of your camera!
➡ More about EU-Japan Fest: eu-japanfest.org
You asked us
I don’t have a PDF portfolio, only a website
Question:
I don’t have a PDF file with my portfolio, but I have a website where all my original work is presented. What should I do?
Answer:
Upload a PDF file with the link to your website in the application form.
Experience with staying in Japan
Question:
What does it mean that the applicant should not have experience with staying in Japan? Can I apply if I’ve been on a trip to Japan?
Answer:
Yes, you can apply if you’ve been to Japan for a short-term stay. Applicants who have lived in Japan long-term are not eligible to apply.
I don’t have Slovak citizenship
Question:
Can I apply even if I don’t have Slovak citizenship or I’m not currently living in Slovakia?
Answer:
Covered costs
Question:
What costs will be covered in relation to the residency?
Answer:
The residency will cover travel expenses, accommodation, meals, and technical costs – e.g. materials.
Residency location and dates
Question:
Is the location and date of the residency already determined?
Answer:
No, the location and date of the residency will be agreed upon between the Japanese partner and the selected applicant.
Published photo book
Question:
Do I need to have a published photo book to be eligible for the residency?
Answer:
No, having a published photo book is not a requirement.