donate
In 2013, Kyoto Experiment launched the KEX Supporters membership system for individuals to make donations and support the festival.
KEX Supporters is available again in 2025. This year, the scheme evolves into a community that embodies the festival mission and enables audiences to actively contribute to the festival. Thank you for supporting and taking part in Kyoto Experiment’s new endeavor to foster a richer audience culture.
Held since 2010, Kyoto Experiment is a performing arts festival whose programming reflects its uniquely experimental approaches, and which has developed into annual event attracting attention not only in Japan but also from the international theater and dance scene. To date, it has staged the work of artists from thirty countries and reached total audiences of 400,000.
However, our festival is facing a difficult financial situation. Budgetary and administrative changes in Kyoto have halved the funding provided by the city, and subsidies for international exchange has also dropped. Moreover, the costs associated with inviting overseas artists to the festival have increased and domestic costs like personnel and accommodation have also gone up. The weak yen means that foreign currency expenses, such as fees paid to foreign artists, have risen.
In response to these circumstances, the festival launched a crowdfunding campaign in 2022, which then developed into the full KEX Supporters membership system in 2023. We have been fortunate to receive support from many people, whose generosity has contributed greatly to making the festival happen. In addition, the interactions we have had with supporters have truly encouraged the team who run the festival.
Starting this year, we would like to develop the KEX Supporters scheme with members into something that not only improves the financial sustainability of the festival, but also forms a community that cultivates the art scene in Kyoto while promoting wide-ranging dialogue and learning together through the works presented at the festival,
We hope you consider registering as a KEX Supporter to help us continue our endeavors this year and in those to come.
You can register to be a KEX Supporter at any time. However, residents of Japan and those planning to attend this year’s festival who wish to take advantage of the benefits offered in 2025 should please register by July 29, 2025.
(Click “Become a KEX Supporter!” to choose your membership and donate. Please note payment must be made through paypal.)
Supporter Benefits
☞ Primary Benefits
● Invite to access members-only Instagram account providing a behind-the-scenes look at the festival
● Invitations to special supporter-only events (to be held in September, TBC)
● End-of-year party for supporters to share their impressions of the festival
● Right to hold joint events with the Kyoto Experiment team and other supporters. Submissions are now open for supporter community events, including walking tours and flea markets.
● KEX Supporter Limited Edition Badge (allowing priority entry for certain performances!)
● Priority Ticket Booking (please note that reservations can only be made in Japanese)
● Supporter name listing on the festival website and printed production programs (at the supporter’s discretion)
Please note that except for supporter name listing and Instagram invites, benefits can only be sent to Japanese addresses. If you live outside Japan, are planning to attend the festival, and wish to collect your benefits, please contact the festival office.
☞ Primary Benefits
● Invite to access members-only Instagram account providing a behind-the-scenes look at the festival
● Invitations to special supporter-only events (to be held in September, TBC)
● End-of-year party for supporters to share their impressions of the festival
● Right to hold joint events with the Kyoto Experiment team and other supporters. Submissions are now open for supporter community events, including walking tours and flea markets.
● KEX Supporter Limited Edition Badge (allowing priority entry for certain performances!)
● Priority Ticket Booking (please note that reservations can only be made in Japanese)
● Supporter name listing on the festival website and printed production programs (at the supporter’s discretion)
Please note that except for supporter name listing and Instagram invites, benefits can only be sent to Japanese addresses. If you live outside Japan, are planning to attend the festival, and wish to collect your benefits, please contact the festival office.
Other Ways to Donate
If you would like to make a donation separately to becoming a KEX Supporter, please contact us below for further information.