Group Exhibitions 2026

Guidelines

1. About

This exhibition series is directed by Anne Murayama, the Founder, Publisher, and Curator of Ephemere.

Anne established this initiative to remove the barriers photographers face when trying to exhibit in Japan. While solo shows can be daunting and expensive, group shows offer a wallet-friendly, confidence-building alternative that fosters instant community.

The Curator reviews all submissions to ensure they align with Ephemere’s visual ethos and will curate a converging narrative among the selected artists to ensure exhibition cohesion.

2. Overview & Theme

• Address: Gallery Conceal Shibuya (4F, 1-11-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

• Open Theme: Ephemere welcomes all genres, styles, and concepts—whether black & white, color, narrative photo essays, or single-image series.

• Cancellation: If the minimum participant count is not met, the exhibition will be cancelled, and full refunds will be issued.

3. Spaces and Participation Fees

• Payment: All fees are tax-included, processed in USD via the Ephemere online store.

• Inclusions: Fees cover gallery rental, operational costs, curatorial labor, photo zine design/production, promotion, and a contribution to future Ephemere projects.

• Non-Refundable: As this fee secures physical real estate in the gallery, payments are strictly non-refundable.

Select Your Space (You may purchase two or more adjacent spaces if you require a wider wall area.)

Group 1 — Gallery A: February 9–15

• [ ] Space #1: 2.5m ($190)

• [ ] Space #2: 1.9m ($175)

• [ ] Space #3: 1.9m ($175)

• [ ] Space #4: 1.85m ($160)

• [ ] Space #5: 1.85m ($160)

• [ ] Space #6: 1.7m ($150)

• [ ] Space #7: 1.7m ($150)

• [ ] Space #8: 1.7m ($150)

• [ ] Space #9: 1.63m ($145)

Group 2 — Gallery B: February 17–23

• [TAKEN] Space #1: 1.98m ($175)

• [TAKEN] Space #2: 1.52m ($160)

• [TAKEN] Space #3: 1.52m ($160)

• [TAKEN] Space #4: 1.52m ($160)

• [TAKEN] Space #5: 1.47m ($140)

• [ ] Space #6: 1.47m ($140)

• [ ] Space #7: 1.25m ($135)

• [TAKEN] Space #8: 1.25m ($135)

• [TAKEN] Space #9: 1.25m ($135)

Group 3 — Gallery C/D: March 19–25

• [ ] Space #1: 1.2m ($120)

• [ ] Space #2: 2m ($200)

• [ ] Space #3: 2m ($200)

• [ ] Space #4: 1.2m ($120)

• [ ] Space #5: 1.4m ($140)

• [ ] Space #6: 1.8m ($180)

• [ ] Space #7: 1.8m ($180)

• [TAKEN] Space #8: 1.8m ($180)

• [ ] Space #9: 1.8m ($180)

• [ ] Space #10: 1.3m ($130)

• [ ] Space #11: 1.3m ($130)

• [RESERVED] Space #12: 1.6m ($160)

• [RESERVED] Space #13: 1.6m ($160)

• [RESERVED] Space #14: 1.6m ($160)

4. Layout & Creative Freedom

The designated space is the artist's canvas. Ephemere encourages artists to utilize the purchased width in a way that best serves their narrative.

• No Limits: Artists may hang a single large-format piece or a cluster of smaller prints, provided they fit strictly within the assigned width.

• Design Control: The layout, spacing, and flow are determined by the artist (within reason and safety standards).

• Sample Layout: See below.

5. Participation Option A: In-Person

Select this option if the artist will be physically present in Tokyo.

Required Attendance: While daily presence is not required, attendance is mandatory for:

• Installation: Day 1 (Setup).

• De-installation: Last Day (Takedown).

• Artist Talks: Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays. (On regular weekdays, attendance is optional, though highly encouraged).

Installation (DIY):

• Responsibility: Artists are responsible for hanging their own work.

• What to Bring: Nails, screws, wire, sticky tack, Command Strips, non-residue tape, scissors, etc. (A Daiso/100-yen shop is nearby).

• Gallery Provides: Hammers, ladders, and electric screwdrivers.

Production:

• Artists are responsible for print quality and production. Works must be brought ready for installation on Day 1.

• Printing Assistance: If an artist cannot print themselves, they may utilize the Printing Service (see Option B details in Section 6).

Sales (In-Person):

• Items: Artists may sell their own prints, books, and zines.

• 0% Commission: Neither Ephemere nor Gallery Conceal takes a commission.

• Process: Artists handle all transactions directly with the buyer (Cash/Card/PayPay, etc.).

6. Participation Option B: Curator-Assisted (Proxy)

Select this option if the artist cannot attend in person. Ephemere acts as the gallery representative.

Fees & Application:

• Special Fee: The participation fee is triple (3x) the base rate. (This covers receiving, installing, de-installing, packing, and daily management).

• How to Apply: Secure the desired wall space by purchasing the standard slot in the online store. Ephemere will send a separate invoice for the remaining balance.

Operational Standards:

• Frameless Only: To ensure safe installation by the Curator, proxy works must be frameless (no glass/plastic frames). Non-residue tape, pins, or nails will be used.

• Layout Diagram: The artist must provide a simple sketch or diagram indicating exactly how images should be arranged.

Printing Options:

• Option A (Mail): Artist prints and directly ships to Ephemere.

  • Prints must arrive one month before the exhibition starts.

• Option B (Service): Ephemere handles printing locally (Separate fees apply). Specs: Digital CMYK on Pearl Photo Paper (with or without foam board backing).

  • Prints must be secured one month before the exhibition starts.

Sales (Proxy):

• 0% Commission: Neither Ephemere nor Gallery Conceal takes a commission.

• Process: The Curator handles sales on behalf of the artist. A clear price list must be provided prior to the exhibition.

• Payout: Total sales revenue will be remitted to the artist (via PayPal) after the exhibition concludes.

7. Exhibition Schedule (Viewing Hours: 12pm–7pm)

Group 1 — Gallery A

• Feb 9 (Mon): Setup (11am–3pm) / Soft Open (4pm–7pm)

• Feb 10 (Tue): Regular Viewing

• Feb 11 (Wed - Holiday): 3 Artist Talks (Mandatory Presence)

• Feb 12–13 (Thu/Fri): Regular Viewing

• Feb 14 (Sat): 3 Artist Talks & Reception (Mandatory Presence)

• Feb 15 (Sun): Final Talks / De-installation (6pm–7pm)

Group 2 — Gallery B

• Feb 17 (Tue): Setup (11am–3pm) / Soft Open (4pm–8pm)

• Feb 18–20 (Wed–Fri): Regular Viewing

• Feb 21 (Sat): 3 Artist Talks & Reception (Mandatory Presence)

• Feb 22 (Sun): 3 Artist Talks / Ephemere Photo Book Meetup #3

• Feb 23 (Mon - Holiday): Final Talks / De-installation (6pm–7pm)

Group 3 — Gallery C/D

• Mar 19 (Thu): Setup (11am–3pm) / Soft Open (4pm–7pm)

• Mar 20 (Fri - Holiday): 5 Artist Talks (Mandatory Presence)

• Mar 21 (Sat): 5 Artist Talks (Mandatory Presence) / Ephemere Photo Book Meetup #4

• Mar 22 (Sun): 4 Artist Talks (Mandatory Presence)

• Mar 23–24 (Mon, Tue): Regular Viewing

• Mar 25 (Wed): Viewing (12pm–6pm) / De-installation (6pm–7pm)

8. Venue, Travel & Logistics

• Travel & Costs: Artists are responsible for their own travel/accommodation arrangements. Staying in the Dogenzaka/Shibuya area is recommended.

• Access: The gallery is on the 4th Floor (No elevator).

• Food/Well-being: No outside food/drinks allowed due to the attached café. Please eat before shifts begin. A smoking area is available on the 4th floor.

9. Community & Promotion

• Online Promotion: Ephemere promotes the selected works across the official website, Instagram, and newsletters.

• The Zine: Ephemere will produce a limited-edition Photo Zine featuring all participating artists. Participants receive a complimentary copy as a timeless remembrance of the event.

• Future Opportunities: Successful participation leads to priority status for future events, including the Ephemere Photo Fest in October 2026.

10. Curator's Final Word

Involvement in these group exhibitions is more than just renting wall space; it is an investment and inclusion in Ephemere’s supportive community.

"I look forward to seeing your work and welcoming you to Tokyo." — Anne Murayama