The Japan Foundation, Manila Grant Support

The Japan Foundation, Manila Grant Support for FY 2020-2021

In response to the COVID-19 crisis and its effects in the arts and culture sector, The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) opened its grant support initiative to support and encourage artists, organizations, practitioners and cultural workers in the Philippines and in Asia. Under the Asia Center Local Grant program, JFM extended its support for online-based projects to sustain creative and cultural platforms beyond borders and in times of travel restrictions and social distancing.

Despite the obvious challenges, unique and interesting forms of cultural collaboration, interaction, and people-to-people exchange emerged within online platforms. People from different parts of the world, with diverse backgrounds and professions in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, literature, architecture, experimental arts, etc., co-created and collaborated to provide art experiences and discussions in today’s online social landscape. Virtual tours of art exhibitions, online conferences and talks, as well as Zoom workshops presented innovative ways to present art projects, reaching some audiences that may not have had opportunities to attend such events due to physical distance. 

Within these projects,  three key themes and conversations emerged: concerns on livelihoods and sustainability in the art sector; the health and wellbeing of art practitioners; and fostering meaningful connections between artists, organizers, and audiences.

Below are the grant projects we supported for FY 2020-21.