3331 Arts Chiyoda, based in Akihabara, Tokyo, is an independent initiative, opened in 2010, with the aim to support a new model of arts engagement beyond the existing gallery and museum system, connecting the general public and communities, in a new way, to the possibilities of artistic expression. 3331 offers a unique approach to creative practice, based on the site of an old school the centre provides over 4 floors of exhibition space, workshop facilities, meeting rooms, office space for arts organizations, independent galleries, café, lounge, roof top allotments and sports amenities. It is a unique model which invites people of all generations, backgrounds and interests to participate in its open approach to all disciplines of art 3331 offers various programs which encompass people with disabilities, children, local residents, students, experts and those with a curiosity for the arts.

Asia Art Hub

But 3331’s vision does not just end here. 3331 is not only an arts hub for Tokyo, but also for Japan and wider Asia itself. It is 3331’s objective to nurture a network of collaboration and support between creative practitioners and arts collectives, organizations throughout the region in the pursuit of new possibilities of arts engagement. The artist initiative commandN (instigators of 3331 Arts Chiyoda), has undertaken much research into the conditions of arts practice throughout Asia, experiencing firsthand the art scene in its various regions and building relations with many artists and organizations. Based upon these connections 3331 aims to raise awareness towards the local political, economic, cultural and social contexts of these regions and celebrate the rich diversity of art across Asia.

Network

With this objective in mind 3331 aims to create a platform through which artists and practitioners may readily connect with each other and build relationships with specific localities around the region. This is to be realized through an artist in residence network which is to extend throughout Japan and various cities in Asia too. Starting with Akita, Himin and Okinawa, Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, 3331 aims to realize a system which will allow artists to readily engage in different areas of Japan and Asia. In pursuit of this aim 3331 is building a platform for both domestic and international artists who wish to visit other areas of Japan and will be able to connect artists directly with the art scene in a specific locality, highly improving the productivity of their stay and allowing greater ease of movement between one place and another. This is a key feature of 3331’s vision which is not limited to its base in Tokyo but dedicated to building links between art projects and organizations throughout Japan and internationally, distributing information on the local art scene in each area.

Stay, Research, Produce, Present

3331 is proud to be able to offer as part of its open residence program a new opportunity for creatives of diverse disciplines to engage in the vibrant art scene of Japan’s capital, with the potential to research, create and exhibit in the heart of the city. 3331 offers support to resident artists in all stages of their project, from its first conception, to final presentation. Provided with a studio space for exploration and production in a stimulating environment , with plenty of opportunity for creative and cultural exchange, located amongst other artist studios, galleries and workshop spaces, artists can here engage with visitors to 3331 through open studios, workshops and talk events and are given the opportunity to present outputs of their research and production in a dedicated gallery space.

Community + Communication – From the Global to the Local

In facilitating such a program since February 2010 we have considered the very definition and significance of what a residence is and the potentials of what it is able to become. It is of particular concern for 3331 that a residence creates a platform for experimentation, critical dialogue, community engagement and sharing of skills, ideas and experiences between creatives and wider publics. This is not just a case of the participating artist transporting their established individual practice to a new site but developing an informed response to the locality and joining in fresh research, encounter and exchange, which will not just benefit one individual but feed out into the city and its communities.
The program of course fosters a strong relationship between resident artists and the surrounding community of 3331 itself, providing a wide range of resources and support by which an individual practitioner is able not only to network within the art scene of Tokyo, but actuall