Portrait of Anas Hijazi from Syria taken by Takashi Homma
© Takashi Homma
Japanese text is here
UNHCR Japan is seeking individuals with refugee backgrounds to participate in a collaborative project between UNHCR Japan and the Setouchi Triennale, aimed at creating a multimedia exhibition that tells the stories of refugees.
As part of this project, renowned photographer Takashi Homma will capture portraits of refugees alongside their cherished belongings. The artwork will highlight the individual journeys of those forced to flee and will be showcased at the Setouchi Triennale 2025.
For more details, please refer to the participation guidelines below and apply through the online form. [Deadline: 15 September 2024]
▶Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/7n2480KgTL
◼ Who we are looking for
We are seeking individuals who are willing to invite photographer Takashi Homma into their homes to have their portraits taken, along with photographs of precious items that hold a special connection to their home / countries of origin. During the photoshoot, we will also capture video footage and conduct a brief interview about yourself and your cherished belongings.
◼︎ How the content will be used / exhibited
The photographs and videos will be displayed at the Setouchi Triennale (April to November 2025) and other touring exhibitions, included in photo books, and featured on the internet through the UNHCR and Setouchi Triennale websites, social media, and media articles.
◼︎ Application Requirements
– Individuals who can conduct basic communication in English or Japanese.
– Individuals living in Japan who can have the photoshoot conducted at their homes.
– Individuals who agree to the proposed usage of the content.
– A refugee or a person in need of international protection with a residency permit granted by the Japanese authorities, including their family members;
e.g.
1. Refugee recognized by the Ministry of Justice
2. Indochinese refugee
3. Resettled refugee
4. Complementary Protection holder
5. Person who was granted special permission to stay on the basis of humanitarian considerations
6. Person who was granted residency status due to the unstable situation of their country of origin (emergency measure): those from Syria, Myanmar, Ukraine, Sudan and Afghanistan
7. Refugee recognized by a foreign government or by UNHCR outside Japan (including those admitted to Japan through education pathways)
8. Person who possesses either of the abovementioned background and was naturalized
※ We may request you to submit copies of your residence card or proof of refugee status. The documents you provide will be strictly managed by UNHCR Japan and will not be used for any purpose other than the creation of the exhibition, nor will they be disclosed to any third parties.
※ Applicants currently seeking refugee status from the Japanese government are not eligible.
◼︎ Schedule
Photo shooting will be conducted between September and November (we will contact participants individually for their schedule). Additionally, if you are available on any of the following dates, please indicate your availability in the application form:
26 August (Monday), 2 September (Monday), 6 September (Friday), 7 September (Saturday), 8 September (Sunday), 9 September (Monday), 13 September (Friday)
◼︎ Application method and deadline
Please apply via the form by 15 September 2024.
◼︎ Notes
– Minors are also eligible to apply, but a consent form signed by a guardian will be required at the time of the photoshoot.
– The selection process will be conducted by UNHCR Japan based on the information provided in the application form. Only those selected for scheduling a photoshoot will be contacted. Please note that we cannot respond to inquiries regarding the selection process or its results.
– As UNHCR’s activities are supported by government and private donations, we kindly ask for your voluntary participation without compensation. However, any transportation expenses incurred during the photoshoot will be reimbursed.
▶For inquiries, please contact UNHCR Japan ([email protected])
◼︎ About the Setouchi Triennale
The Setouchi Triennale is a contemporary art festival held every three years on the islands of the Setouchi region. It began in 2010 and spans about 100 days across three seasons, offering visitors an experience of Setouchi’s charm. With around 1 million visitors from Japan and abroad, it has become a prominent international art festival.
◼︎ About Takashi Homma
Awarded the 24th Kimura Ihei Award in 1999 for his photo book “TOKYO SUBURBIA” (Korinsha). His recent publications include “TOKYO OLYMPIA” (NIEVES) and “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” (MACK). He held a solo exhibition at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum from 2023 to 2024.
