Call for Artists

The Adventures of John Manjirō — Visual Collaboration for Live Performance

We invite a small group of artists to participate in a curated visual collaboration for a live performance of The Adventures of John Manjirō, a composition by Yoko Nakatani, presented as part of Night at the Town Hall.

This performance brings together piano, spoken storytelling, and projected visual art. Selected works will be presented on a large screen, unfolding in dialogue with the music and narration. The goal is not simply illustration, but a cohesive visual experience that moves with the emotional and narrative arc of the piece.

About the Story

John Manjirō (Nakahama Manjirō) was the first Japanese individual to live in the United States. Shipwrecked as a teenager in the 1840s, he was rescued by an American whaling ship and eventually brought to Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

His life bridges two worlds at a moment of profound historical tension—when Japan was still largely closed to the outside world. Manjirō’s journey is one of survival, transformation, cultural exchange, and identity. His experiences would later play a role in shaping early relations between Japan and the United States.

Artistic Direction

We are seeking artists whose work demonstrates:

  • A strong sense of narrative, atmosphere, or cinematic composition

  • The ability to translate ideas into imagery that is compelling at large scale (projection format)

  • A thoughtful engagement with history, memory, and cross-cultural experience

  • A distinct visual voice that can contribute to a cohesive, time-based performance environment

This project is less about literal illustration and more about evocation, rhythm, and emotional resonance.

Cultural Context

We recognize the cultural significance of Manjirō’s story and its roots in Japanese history.

We especially encourage submissions from Japanese and Japanese-American artists, as well as artists with a meaningful connection to or sensitivity toward the cultural themes of this work.

Project Scope

Selected artists will be invited to:

  • Develop 1–3 visual works (painting, drawing, photography, or mixed media)

  • Collaborate within a curated group to create a unified visual experience

  • Have their work presented as part of a live, interdisciplinary performance

Artists will be fully credited in program materials.

Selected artists will receive an honorarium (anticipated range: $300–$500), depending on final funding.

Submission Guidelines

To be considered, please submit:

  • 3–5 examples of recent work (or a portfolio link)

  • A brief statement (150–250 words) describing your approach to this story

  • Optional: a rough concept, sketch, or visual direction

📩 Submit to: mail@FairhavenSummerArtGallery.com
📅 Deadline: May 15, 2026

Please note: This is a curated collaboration, and a limited number of artists will be selected. Submissions will be evaluated based on artistic quality, conceptual strength, and alignment with the tone of the performance.

Reference: Music & Narrative

Artists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the tone and structure of the piece. It was performed at the Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 2019 as part of Manjirō Festival. See the YouTube LINK

Closing Note

This project is an opportunity to contribute to a shared, time-based work—where visual art, music, and storytelling intersect. We are looking for artists interested not only in creating individual pieces, but in participating in a larger, carefully shaped artistic experience.