Open Calls

For the General Public

The Fumu Fumu Project invites citizens to actively participate in SIAF by serving as supporters who provide venue guidance and artwork insight, connecting visitors with the festival. Launched in 2021, this project will further expand its activities in the lead-up to SIAF2027. This year, the project will take on a new challenge by developing a team dedicated to accessibility. In addition, it will fully launch “Fumu Fumu Supporter Kids Version,” an initiative for elementary and junior high school students to serve as guides. No specialized knowledge of art is required. We look forward to your participation! Management: Specified Nonprofit Corporation ezorock

For Art Personnel in Sapporo

“Let’s Upaste!!,” held every winter since SIAF2024, is a program that invites participants to explore and enjoy winter art events across the city. The title derives from the Ainu word “upas (snow)” and carries the meaning of “running together into the future while recognizing one another.”

This year, in conjunction with SIAF2027, the program will continue to energize Sapporo’s winter through a wide range of art events across the city. In addition to collaborations with cultural institutions and universities, we will also invite open call submissions for cultural arts programs that respond to the SIAF2027 theme, “PLANET SNOW—upas mintar / upas nociw.”

For Artists and Curators

The 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery Award is an annual competition for artwork plans and exhibition proposals hosted by the Sapporo Odori 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery.

Over the years, a diverse panel of jurors has selected the exhibition plans that have been realized. For the 2026 fiscal year, this competition will be held as a special collaboration between SIAF and the gallery. Two winners (individuals or groups), selected by a panel featuring the SIAF2027 directors, will actualize their plans at the 500-m Underground Walkway Gallery as participating artists of the festival. We invite innovative proposals from both Japan and abroad that take full advantage of the unique glass-case gallery.

For Graphic Designers

The Japan Graphic Designer Association Inc. (JAGDA) is Japan’s only nationwide professional association for graphic designers. The organization’s Hokkaido branch, JAGDA Hokkaido, will participate in SIAF2027 as an Official Partner.

An open call poster exhibition will be held at the Sapporo Cultural Arts Community Center (SCARTS), inviting graphic designers to freely interpret the festival theme, “PLANET SNOW—upas mintar / upas nociw.” This call is open to all professional graphic designers residing in Hokkaido.

For Animation Creators

SIAF2027 will implement a collaboration program with the New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival, one of Japan’s largest animation events.

At the 13th edition of the animation festival, to be held in November 2026, a newly established “NEW CHITOSE Digital Signage” category will invite submissions of animation works, including looped works lasting 15 or 30 seconds. Selected works will be screened on digital signage throughout the airport for approximately one month, including during the festival period (Nov 20 – 24, 2026). They will also be presented as part of an outdoor projection program at Shiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeals), one of the SIAF2027 venues.