We deeply appreciate your interest in contributing to the vibrant cultural life at OIST. Your proposal will be reviewed by the OIST Culture Committee, which is committed to celebrating Okinawa’s rich heritage and fostering inspiring collaborations between culture, the arts, and scientific innovation when appropriate.
Art and cultural activities have the power to expand our perspectives, uplift our spirits, and bring communities together. Through this call for proposals, the Culture Committee curates an annual program of dynamic cultural events — including exhibitions, concerts, and public talks — that enrich the OIST experience and strengthen our connection to the wider community.
If you would like to submit an event proposal, please use the Proposal Submission Form below. The submission deadline for events to be conducted in FY2027 (April 2027 - March 2028) is December 11, 2026, at 5pm JST. We look forward to discovering new ideas that inspire and connect.
Guidelines
(as of October 2026)
If you would like to submit a proposal, please make sure that your project aligns with the guidelines listed below.
- OIST community members, as well as members of the public are invited to submit projects to be presented at OIST.
- We encourage science-related exhibitions, as well as art and culture-related proposals connected to Okinawa.
- The Committee encourages application from OIST research units.
- The Committee recommends that all proposals be fully funded before submitting.
- The Committee does not have a budget for projects and cannot provide funding.
- All projects must have an organizer and/or project manager who will be responsible for the development and implementation of the project. If the proposal is science-related and organized by OIST researchers, the content must be approved by the researcher’s PI or by the immediate manager.
- Please submit a project timeline along with the application form. We ask you to include a target date for the event, but please note that availability of campus’ venues may be limited during certain times of the year.
- Please be sure to explain how the project aligns with OIST’s vision, mission, and guiding principles (https://www.oist.jp/about).
- The Committee may require drafts, sketches, or samples of material and/or content related to the project to make an informed decision.
- Once a proposal is approved, the project owners can't change or add content without consultation with the Committee. In those cases, the Committee may ask for re-submission if the technical and logistical requirements exceed the scope and level previously approved.
- Carefully consider your proposal. Do not submit any materials that may be considered offensive, unethical, or that infringe on animal or human welfare.
- OIST reserves the right to authorize or decline the use of any space on campus.
- If the proposed event is expected to be hosted in OIST’s public areas, be sure to design materials that are accessible to all OIST community members and visitors. Please note that the use of both English and Japanese languages is required.
- OIST reserves the right to use any promotional material generated from the events for educational and promotional purposes.
- If a selected project cannot be completed during the approved financial year, the applicant must re-submit the proposal, if they wish to have it considered for next year. There will be no rolling-over of projects from one fiscal year to the next.
- All project proposals shall be carefully reviewed by the Culture Committee. Following the Committee’s assessment, recommendations will be submitted to the Vice President for Communication and Public Relations (VP CPR) for final consideration and approval.
- Where appropriate, and depending on the nature, scope, or requirements of a project, OIST may require organizers, partners, or participating parties to enter into a written legal agreement. Such agreements are intended to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and compliance with the responsibilities, expectations, and obligations of all parties involved.
- All approved projects must incorporate an appropriate feedback mechanism through which visitors, participants, and members of the OIST community may raise concerns, provide comments, or submit complaints. The VP CPR reserves the right to review any concerns brought forward and may require corrective measures, suspend, modify, or discontinue a project if it generates significant complaints, controversy, reputational risk, or conflicts with OIST policies, values, or community standards.
- Please see the Culture Committee’s Basic Policy (as of October 2026) for more details about the committee’s responsibilities, authority, and process.
By submitting a proposal, the entrants understand and agree with the requirements above.
Cultural Event/Activity Proposal Submission Form
Proposals for cultural events open to the public must be submitted to the OIST Culture Committee. To submit a proposal for a culture event, please use this form (the deadline is December 11, 2026, at 5pm JST). Please be concise and clear when filling in the form.
Proposal selection flow:
Proposal submission → Proposal review and selection → Announcement (Selected proposals to be implemented in FY2027 will be announced in March 2027).
What OIST/CPR can support (as needed).
- Consultancy by the Culture Committee (if needed during the development)
- Coordinating with other divisions intra-OIST
- Management and scheduling of venues (within OIST facilities)
- Flyer/ poster design
- Event promotion (internal and external)
The OIST Culture Committee does not provide funding for proposals.