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Guidelines
1. Curator's Note
As a curator, I created this initiative to directly remove the barriers that photographers—especially those visiting Japan—face when trying to secure a gallery space. It is often awkward, expensive, and difficult to propose a solo exhibition when you are a tourist or exhibiting for the first time.
Group shows are simply better for growth and are wallet-friendly. They build confidence, cost significantly less, and provide instant inspiration and motivation. Your Participation Fee is split among the group, and it provides you with a dedicated platform to showcase your work and actively engage in the Tokyo scene.
2. Exhibition Overview & Theme
Exhibition Slots: I am curating two back-to-back group shows.
Week 1: February 9–15, 2026
Week 2: February 17–23, 2026
Theme & Style: Both weeks are open-themed. I will consider all photographic works regardless of concept, genre, or style—both black & white and color. I will review all works to ensure they align with Ephemere's visual ethos. I will select a converging theme among the nine selected artists each week to ensure artistic cohesion.
Final Count: I am selecting a maximum of 9 photographers per week to ensure adequate space for each artist.
Physical Presence (Mandatory): Your active physical presence in Tokyo is required for installation and the mandated exhibition dates (especially weekends and National Holidays).
Exception: If you are unable to attend in person but still wish to exhibit, you must apply for the Curator-Assisted Installation option (see Section 3). This exception requires an increased participation fee, and materials must be finalized by December 30th.
3. Fees & Financial Commitments
Payment Method: All fees are tax-included and must be paid through our online store (Credit Card/PayPal) and will be processed in USD.
Payment Purpose: The Participation Fee directly covers the gallery rental, operational costs, curatorial labor, promotion, and also supports future Ephemere projects.
Final Deadline & No Refunds: All payments must be finalized by November 30th. As this payment immediately secures the gallery space, we do not accept refunds or cancellations. Please ensure your participation and physical attendance are firm before submitting payment.
Cancellation Risk: If the minimum number of participants is not secured by the deadline, the exhibition dates may be cancelled.
Note: Each artist may purchase up to two (2) consecutive spaces if you wish to occupy more wall area.
4. Physical Presence / Curator-Assisted Installation
⚠️ ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
Participation in this exhibition series requires the artist's physical presence in Tokyo for installation and the mandated exhibition dates (weekends and national holidays).
EXCEPTION:
If you are unable to attend in person but still wish to exhibit, you must apply for our Curator-Assisted Installation option.
CAI Service: This exception requires an increased fee (triple the base rate) as it covers the manpower required for proxy services, including managing your installation, de-installation, and acting as a gallery representative for your work throughout the exhibition week.
CAI Fee: The fee for the CAI option will be triple (3x) the base rate. (Example: A $150 space becomes $450.)
CAI Protocol: If you wish to apply for this option, please email us separately via exhibitions@ephemere.tokyo. Do not secure your space through our online store; we will provide a separate invoice for the adjusted fee.
Note: The CAI fee does not include printing costs. We highly recommend artists to handle and send their own printing to avoid additional fees and quality issues.
5. Scheduling & Gallery Access
Venue Address: Gallery Conceal Shibuya, 4F, 1-11-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
The gallery's operational hours are 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily.
Exhibition viewing hours are 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily.
Logistical Reminders (Applies to both weeks):
Cafe Policy: Gallery Conceal has its own café. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Please ensure you eat lunch before arriving at the gallery, as they do not sell food.
Access Note: Please be aware that the gallery is located on the 4th Floor, and there is no elevator access.
Smoking Area: There is a designated smoking area available on the 4th floor.
Week 1 Schedule (Gallery A: February 9 – 15)
Feb 9, Monday (Set-Up Day): Artists arrive by 11:00 AM; setup runs until 3:00 PM. Soft Opening follows (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Feb 10, Tuesday: Regular viewing hours (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Feb 11, Wednesday: National Holiday. Exhibition open (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM). Three Artist Talks will be held throughout the day.
Feb 12, Thursday: Regular viewing hours (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Feb 13, Friday: Regular viewing hours (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Feb 14, Saturday: Exhibition open (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM). Three Artist Talks will be held throughout the day. Opening Reception will be discussed (to be scheduled from 4:00 PM onwards).
Feb 15, Sunday (Closing): Exhibition open until 6:00 PM. Last three remaining Artist Talks will be held. De-Installation follows (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Week 2 Schedule (Gallery B: February 17 – 23)
Feb 17, Tuesday (Set-Up Day): Artists arrive by 11:00 AM; setup runs until 3:00 PM. Soft Opening follows (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
Feb 18, Wednesday: Regular viewing hours (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Feb 19, Thursday: Regular viewing hours (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Feb 20, Friday: Regular viewing hours (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Feb 21, Saturday: Exhibition open (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM). Three Artist Talks will be held throughout the day. Opening Reception will be discussed (to be scheduled from 4:00 PM onwards).
Feb 22, Sunday: Exhibition open (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM). Three Artist Talks will be held throughout the day. Special Event: Ephemere Photo Book Meetup at the cafe area (will not disrupt the exhibition).
Feb 23, Monday (Closing): National Holiday. Exhibition open until 6:00 PM. Last three remaining Artist Talks will be held. De-Installation follows (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
6. Works, Installation, and Sales
Printing Responsibility (Mandatory): Artists must handle their own printing and are responsible for the quality, layout, and paper choice of their works. They should bring their printed works ready for installation on the first day.
Curator Assistance (Exception): If you are unable to print yourself, Anne Murayama can assist by sending files to an online printer. This must be arranged by January and will require additional fees, as test prints cannot be guaranteed. We highly recommend artists handle their own printing to avoid time constraints and quality issues.
Installation (Artist Responsibility): Installation and de-installation are the artist's responsibility. You may borrow the following from the gallery: hammer, ladder, and electric-powered screwdriver. You must provide all other supplies (nails, screws, wires, sticky tacks, Command Strips, or non-residue double-sided tape).
Sales: Artists may sell their prints, books, and zines directly to visitors. Neither Ephemere nor Gallery Cconceal takes commission on sales. Artists must handle all sales transactions themselves.
7. Travel, Accommodation, and Well-being
Financial Aid: We cannot offer financial aid for travel or accommodation. Artists are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
Accommodation: We highly recommend staying near the gallery (Dogenzaka, Shibuya) for easy daily access.
Self-Care: Please prioritize your health! Ensure you eat before arriving at the gallery, as breaks may be difficult to manage when the gallery is open.
8. Community, Promotion, & Future Value
Promotions: Ephemere will actively promote your work across our channels (website, Instagram, and newsletters). All participating artists are encouraged to promote the show.
Tangible Benefits: To ensure your work receives lasting visibility, Ephemere will produce a limited-edition Photo Zine featuring all participating artists. Each artist will receive a complimentary copy of this publication, serving as a timeless remembrance.
Networking: Exhibitions foster connection. You are encouraged to be present to meet visitors and other artists. This is an unparalleled chance to meet fellow photographers in the Tokyo scene.
9. Curator's Final Reminders
Your participation is an investment that provides more than wall space—it secures your entry into a supportive community and the ongoing projects of Ephemere. Your involvement here is not an end; it is potentially the start of something bigger.
Future Involvement: Your successful participation and adherence to guidelines will lead to priority involvement in future Ephemere events, including the Ephemere Photo Fest 2026 in October.
Preparation Tip: To get a better idea of the space and installation style, watch the EPF 2025 walkthrough video here.
For questions, please contact me as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing your work and meeting everyone!