Today, 17 January 2025, Wales Arts International, the international agency of the Arts Council of Wales and British Council Wales, with support from Welsh Government, are launching a dedicated Wales-Japan Culture Fund to support arts activity between the two countries during 2025. 

The fund is part of the year-long campaign launched at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff last week to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships between the two nations, bringing long-lasting benefits to both countries.

Open to individuals and organisations working in the arts in Wales, a fund totalling £150,000 is being made available to:

  • extend and amplify existing arts partnerships and collaborations between Wales and Japan
  • develop new artistic and cultural connections and collaborations that will build long-term sustainable relationships between artists, arts organisations and cultural practitioners

The Fund follows on from the success of similar joint funding opportunities to enable arts activity during the Years of Wales in France 2023-2024 and Wales in India 2024-2025. 

Applicants will be able to apply for funding of between £1,000 and £40,000, and the deadline for expressions of interest is Wednesday 5 March 2025.

For full details and eligibility criteria, visit the Wales Arts International website wai.org.uk.

“It’s shaping up to be a remarkable year of celebrating existing connections and creating new opportunities between Wales and Japan. From the harmonies of the ‘land of song’ to the delicate rhythms of Japanese shamisen, both nations share a profound respect for the beauty of artistic expression. This call-out is a golden opportunity for performers and artists with a partner in Japan to submit ideas which could be delivered either in Japan, in Wales or digitally between April and December 2025.”  

Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International 

“Japan is an incredibly unique country steeped in both tradition and innovation and we are delighted to create this Wales-Japan Culture Fund for Welsh artists to connect with Japanese counterparts and work on bold new collaborations. Wales and Japan are united by their creativity and cultural heritage, and this fund will empower artists to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas and build meaningful partnerships and dialogue. There are already some beautiful connections between our two nations and we can’t wait to see the exciting projects that emerge and the lasting impact they will have in Wales, Japan, and beyond.” 

Ruth Cocks, Director, British Council Wales