“AIR 3331” is an AIR (Artist in Residence) program established by Command A - an artist-run initiative that bases its activities in the center of Tokyo (notably Chiyoda City), with an aim to dive into local communities and cultivate creativity. With a wide range of projects and a diverse network of creators to connect with, the program serves as a strong base for creative practitioners from around the world.

▶Comment by AIR 3331 Supervising Director

Masato Nakamura (AIR 3331 Supervising Director)

“What sets apart the AIR 3331 program is that creators can stay at the heart of Tokyo to create and then present their work, giving them the chance to become directly involved with the Japanese art scene and local community. Through AIR 3331, I encourage creators of all fields to make their own project in Tokyo become a reality”.

Profile:
Born in Odate City (Akita, Japan) in 1963. Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts (Department of Painting). A socially aware artist pushing forth diverse art projects with focus on "art x community x industry". Represented Japan in the 49th Venice Biennial (2002). Received the Japanese Government’s Agency for Cultural Affairs Award in Fine Arts (2010). Has supervised over the artist initiative “Command N” since 1997. Launched revitalization projects in localities across Japan, and founded and directed the art center 3331 Arts Chiyoda from June 2010 to March 2023.

▶Vision

Providing an intensive period of stay and production, the AIR 3331 program has hosted artists, curators and researchers who act as “magnets”, interlinking their respective bases of activity through art. The program aims to facilitate discovery and the mutual exchange of diverse values at a local level, inspired by the unique culture, history and stories of the immediate Tokyo (Chiyoda City) community. The program openly welcomes participants from Japan and overseas who work in a diverse range of genres, including visual and media art, design, performing arts, music and architecture. Our program places no limit on the form of media or the resulting production of work, making it ideal for those looking to create freely and independently.

▶Why AIR 3331?

AIR 3331 is uniquely centered in the eclectic Kanda area and set to the backdrop of Tokyo, whose figure as an international city intersects with the atmosphere of the past, as seen in Akihabara, Ochanomizu, Iwamotocho, Ueno, and other nearby neighborhoods. Participants have the opportunity to stay, create, and present right in the heart of Tokyo’s art scene at AIR 3331’s facilities located in Iwamotocho, just a few steps away from Akihabara.

Our History, Our Structure, Our Mission

The non-governmental organization Command A, LLC. (http://www.commanda.info/), ran by the artist Masato Nakamura, founded the art center known as 3331 Arts Chiyoda, which reutilized the former Rensei Junior High School and held numerous creative projects spanning all fields of art and culture until its closure in March 2023.

Amongst the varied arts and cultural programming that continues to be organized by Command A, the current AIR 3331 residence program was initiated with the aim of creating space and opportunity for both domestic and overseas artists to undertake research and presentation.

For those interested in the independent and alternative creative activities particular to urban space and a uniquely Japanese society, AIR 3331 welcomes you to experience our program under the mandate of "a space made for ourselves, by ourselves".

▶Types of Programs

AIR 3331 Open Call＋

AIR 3331 Special Invitation＋