About 3331:

We are delighted to announce the launch of 3331, a new multi-level art center opening in Akihabara in March 2010.
Custom renovated at the site of the former Chiyoda Rensei Junior High School, this new art center will offer a range of different project and exhibition spaces.
Employing the model of an 'alternative art space for the 21st century',3331 is founded on the basis of artist leadership, personal participation and cross-disciplinary approaches.
It opens with the specific intention to become a new hub for artistic development in Tokyo and its surrounding region, as well as stimulating pertinent dialogues with the wider East Asian arts communities.

The name "3331"is the traditional Edo Ippon Tejimehandclap translated into numbers.
Traditionally used when people want to share their happiness an dencourage each other, the Edo Ippon Tejime is one of the old yet immaterialtraditions inherited from the Edo period. When a leading voice says "Iyo'o!"(supposedly a contraction of「祝おう」iwaou:let’ s celebrate), 3 sets of 3handclaps answer "da-da-da da-da-da da-da-da", adding to become 9,which stands for stress or labor (as「苦」ku:the pain, has a pronunciation similar to「九」kyu, ku:9 ). Then a final single handclap "da" comes to expel all that stress (as a single stroke added to the kanj「九」transforms it into「丸」maru:the achievement). Taken as a symbol of the Edo Ippon Tej ime,"3331" visually evokes an images of rhythm as well as distilling a sense of people’s gratitude and positive feelings.
1.Ote wo haishaku:lit.Borrowing[your]hands
2.Iyo'o clap clap clap,clap clap clap,clap clap clap,clap
3.Arigato gozaimashita:thankyou Everyones applause

Opening hours: 9 am - 9 pm

Residence Information:

3331 Arts Chiyoda is launching a new residency program open to artists, curators and creative practitioners internationally. With a full range of facilities including accommodation, studio and gallery, creative practitioners have the exceptional opportunity to extend their artistic engagement in the heart of Tokyo. Not only will artists be able to pursue their own individual research and practice, but they will be connected to the extensive network of Tokyo's art scene through the hub that is 3331. With the energy of the electronics and anime haven of Akihabara right at one's doorstep and the traditional cultures of downtown but a stone's throw away artists will be able to experience all aspects of this kaleidoscopic city from this convenient base. Artists are not only able to spend time in Tokyo, but are able to create work onsite and then finally exhibit what they have developed during their stay, in the distinct setting of 3331 Arts Chiyoda.
 
We are pleased to be able to offer these facilities to artists who can contribute to the diverse creative expressions of this cosmopolitan metropolis and engage its inhabitants in new ways.
 
We particularly encourage applications from galleries, museums, universities, arts organizations and funding bodies who are able to recommend and support a number of artists to join this program. We also welcome approaches from artists who are able to secure their own sources of funding. We recommend that artists consider applying in groups of 2-5 in order to reduce the financial responsibility of the individual. Please note that 3331 is unable to offer financial support to artists in residence in this program.
 
The facilities are ideal to be shared between a group of 3 artists, and can accommodate a maximum of 5 artists if so required. The overall fee for accommodation and other facilities is set and is not affected by the number of people in residence.
 
We are now calling for applications for this residence program.
In order to apply for this program please download the following application form and send it with the relevant supporting material (outlined in this form) to info@en.3331.jp There are two dealines for applications.
For those wishing to use the residency facilities between July-December 2010 please apply by 18th June 2010.
For those wishing to use the residency facilities between January-June 2011 please apply by 19th November 2010.
 
Application Form (word file) <http://www.3331.jp/news/en/file/applicationform.doc>  Application Form (pdf file) <http://www.3331.jp/news/en/file/applicationform.pdf>
If you have any queries please contact Emma Ota at info@en.3331.jp +81(0)3-6803-2441
Full information can be found here: http://www.3331.jp/news/en/201005/000219.html