The Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) program was started by the Japan Foundation to promote Japanese performing arts in the United States.  PAJ supports the initiatives taken by U.S. nonprofit organizations to expose geographically diverse American audiences to Japanese performing arts, and encourages collaborations between Japanese and American artists.

The Japan Foundation is now accepting grant proposals for fiscal year 2009-2010.  The Touring Grant assists the presentation of Japanese performing arts in the U.S. and Canada, emphasizing locations outside major metropolitan areas, and the Collaboration Grant allows collaborating artists to create new works with the potential to develop into a touring project.  PAJ will fund up to 50% of the project costs.

Applications are due by November 3, 2008 for projects taking place between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.  Visit the Japan Foundation New York Office’s website (www.jfny.org/jfny_paj.html) for guidelines and application form.