New York: The Global Hub For World-Class Artistic Talent
Located in Chelsea on the west side of Downtown Manhattan, the district is home to a dense concentration of world-renowned art galleries. Since 2008, JCAT has been dedicated to providing Japanese artists with opportunities to showcase their work.
In June 2026, we are excited to announce our annual JCAT Exhibition in partnership with NOHO M55 Gallery. This gallery is situated on West 28th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues—a prime location just steps away from legendary art institutions like Gagosian and Pace Gallery.
Chelsea: The Mecca of the Art World
The Chelsea Art District is primarily located in Manhattan, between West 18th and West 28th Streets, and from 10th to 11th Avenues.
This vibrant area is home to a high concentration of approximately 300 art galleries. While Chelsea is particularly famous for contemporary art, it offers a diverse range of expression—from world-renowned galleries showcasing global icons to emerging spaces dedicated to undiscovered young talent.
With an infinite variety of genres, including painting, photography, and sculpture, every visit promises a new discovery.
Chelsea in the Early 1990s
Starting with a few scattered cafes and galleries in a sleepy residential corner, Chelsea has evolved remarkably over time. Today, it stands as a global powerhouse of art, exerting a profound influence on the international creative scene.
From SoHo to Chelsea
Galleries originally located in SoHo began to migrate to Chelsea, seeking more affordable rents. Utilizing the spacious venues, masters of modern art such as Chuck Close and Jeff Koons staged large-scale, spectacular exhibitions that instantly captured attention.
On Thursday nights, galleries across the entire area host opening receptions simultaneously, enveloping the streets in an atmosphere charged with art and people. For New Yorkers, the ultimate pleasure is wandering through this district—filled with diverse and high-quality galleries—and discovering their own personal favorites.
NY Chelsea Exhibition 2026
"WABI-SABI" Exhibition
In June 2026, JCAT is proud to present the exhibition "WABI-SABI" at NOHO M55 Gallery in Chelsea, New York—the global mecca where the world's most vibrant art converges. This is your exclusive, once-a-year opportunity to showcase your work in the heart of this iconic district. Let your artistry take flight from a Chelsea gallery and reach a global audience.
noho M55 Gallery
WABI-SABI is the quiet beauty of imperfection.
This exhibition invites you to pause, reflect, and rediscover harmony in simplicity.
JCAT Director ARISA
Application Details
Theme
“WABI-SABI”
Exhibition Period: June 2, 2026 (Tue) - June 20, 2026 (Sat)
Exhibition Schedule:
Opening Parties - Thursdays (Tentative); Installation - Mondays; De-installation - Saturdays
【TEAM A】June 2 – June 6, 2026 (Tue – Sat)
【TEAM B】June 9 – June 13, 2026 (Tue – Sat)
【TEAM C】June 16 – June 20, 2026 (Tue – Sat)
＊12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Daily
＊Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Location：Noho M55 Gallery http://www.nohogallery.net/
Spots: Limited availability per team
Eligibility: Exclusive to JCAT Members
Participation Fee: $590
Number of Works: Up to 1 piece
＊Additional works (2nd piece and after) are $350 each
*2D Works: Up to 53 x 53 cm (approx. 21 x 21 inches), including the frame
*3D / Sculptural Works: Must fit comfortably within a 53 x 53 x 53 cm (approx. 21 x 21 x 21 inches) space
Note: Works exceeding these dimensions may still be exhibited by applying for two or more entry spots.
＜Participation Fee Breakdown＞
Gallery Exhibition & Opening Reception
Artwork Handling (Installation & De-installation)
Event Photography & Documentation
PR & Promotion:
Promotional Materials (Posters, Postcards, Price Lists)
Direct outreach to New York art guests
Exhibition announcements featured on the JCAT official website
Social media and online promotion
About JCAT
JCAT NY
Based in New York, JCAT (Japanese Contemporary Artists Team) is a collective of creators dedicated to the mission: "Art for Everyone." Founded in 2014, our goal is to empower Japanese artists to achieve together what no individual could accomplish alone.
Our identity is inspired by the story of "Swimmy"—the classic tale where small fish join forces to form one giant fish, allowing them to swim freely and fearlessly through the vast ocean. For us, that ocean represents the global art stage. While one person’s strength may be limited, our collective power is boundless.
JCAT’s roots trace back to Ouchi Gallery, which Art Director Arisa operated in New York for a decade starting in 2008. We strive to shift the common perception of art from something "exclusive" to something "essential for everyone." Ultimately, our mission is to transform the Japanese art scene itself. Today, a growing collective of over 200 JCAT artists is taking bold steps every day to spark a creative revolution.
10 years anniversary
On August 9, 2016, the JCAT NY Chelsea Exhibition made its debut at NOHO Gallery. As we approach 2026, we are proud to celebrate our 10th anniversary. For a decade, JCAT has served as a sanctuary where artists connect, bringing Japanese artistry to the global stage of New York.
August 9 is also a day of profound historical significance—the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. In this 80th commemorative year, the Japanese aesthetic of "praying in silence" remains a living, breathing part of our creative expression.
Looking ahead to the next ten years, JCAT remains committed to sharing the "Essence of Japan" with hearts around the world through the universal language of art.。
The Journey of JCAT
Start
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2008
Bringing Japanese Artistry to New York!
It all began in a Brooklyn apartment—a former shoe factory—where we hosted an exhibition for a single artist. The event was a resounding success, drawing a massive crowd. This spark led to the founding of Ouchi Gallery, which became a vital bridge for Japanese artists to connect with the world.
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2009
100 Artists, 100 Unique Expressions!
We launched the "100 Artists Exhibition," an annual group show designed as a gateway for artists to make their international debut. It quickly became one of the most popular exhibitions in New York, with long lines of visitors stretching down the block, eagerly waiting to enter the gallery.
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2014
Creating as one toward a shared vision
Our popularity grew until the gallery was fully booked two years in advance. Building on this success, we evolved to the next level: founding JCAT NY. By transitioning beyond a physical space, we created a flexible, global platform that empowers artists to showcase their work anywhere in the world.
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2020
Art as an Ally for the World
During the pandemic, we launched monthly online galleries to keep Japan and the world connected. Through these virtual exhibitions, we donated a portion of the proceeds to support Ukraine, bridging the world of art with humanitarian aid. By integrating the online space with our creative mission, we proved that art can be a powerful tool for global solidarity.
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2022-2023
Japan to the World: The Ultimate Challenge!
In 2022, we successfully returned to in-person exhibitions, hosting major shows in Chelsea, New York (July) and Paris, France (December). To foster growth and connection among our 200+ members, we launched "JCAT Village"—a dedicated learning hub offering resources on emerging trends like NFTs. We also introduced an art-matching service, bridging the gap between JCAT artists and passionate art lovers.
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2024-2025
Traveling the World Through Art!
In 2024, JCAT expanded its presence to Hollywood with the "BLOOM!" exhibition at WAZA, located within JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles—a project overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. In the same year, we hosted JCAT’s first domestic exhibition in Japan, "My First Art - LP Records," on Shodoshima Island, a celebrated venue of the Setouchi Triennale.
In 2025, JCAT participated in a special International Women’s Day project in Paris. In April, we made our debut in the Middle East by participating in World Art Dubai, one of the region's largest and most prestigious international art fairs.
Now
- Our Artist Genres -
Painters / Illustrators / Calligraphers / Photographers /
Sculptors / Mixed Media / etc…
- Our Artist Locations -
USA (New York, California, Chicago),
Paris, Taiwan, Shanghai, Singapore, Hungary,
Marshall Islands, Japan (From Hokkaido to Okinawa)
Artist Voices from the NY Chelsea Exhibition
T.S. (Participated in 2025)
From the preparation phase to the opening party, JCAT’s strong support system was an invaluable learning experience. The entire journey was truly fulfilling.
K.R (Participated in 2025)
Even with my use of Urushi (Japanese lacquer)—a medium and technique that can be complex to explain—I was moved by how many visitors deeply connected with the message of my work. The audience in New York has an incredible sensitivity toward art.
Seeing my fellow artists express 'JAPANISM' through their own unique lenses was truly inspiring. It gave me a tremendous burst of energy and a renewed drive to push my own creative boundaries. Thank you so much for this life-changing experience.
Y.U (Participated in 2025)
For a long time, I struggled to find confidence in myself. However, exhibiting in New York allowed me to feel, firsthand, that art can communicate far beyond the limits of language. This experience gave me a renewed resolve to continue creating my work with sincerity. It’s difficult to put into words, but I feel as though I’ve finally discovered a core strength within myself. This exhibition was truly a turning point for me.
The Four Elements of JCAT
Challenge
Exclusively for JCAT Members: NY Chelsea Exhibition!
As a JCAT member, you gain exclusive access to our signature exhibitions designed specifically for our artist collective. In 2025, we made our debut at World Art Dubai—the largest international art fair in the Middle East!
Community
Join an exclusive online community of JCAT artists, where you can connect and collaborate with fellow creators. Build meaningful friendships with like-minded artists from the USA, France, China, Singapore, and beyond—all working together toward shared goals on a global stage.
Learning
JCAT Director ARISA is the author of “How to Become an Artist (The Secrets They Don’t Teach You in School)” published by Sanctuary Publishing. This book has become a "bible" for creators and ranked as a #1 Best Seller in Amazon Japan’s Art Education category.
Through JCAT, you can learn practical strategies for building a successful art career, rooted in ARISA’s 16 years of real-world experience navigating the New York art scene.。
Connect
JCAT provides a place to connect: our physical hubs known as "Art Port" and "Art Station." We plan to establish these locations across Japan as gathering spots where artists can meet lifelong companions. Our first landmark, "Fine Port Gallery," is now open on Shodoshima Island.
Receive a Special Gift to Kickstart Your Global Art Career!
As a special gift, you will receive our exclusive textbook, 'The Artist Revolution (アーティスト革命)' —your essential guide to the mindset and heart of a true creator!
*Upon passing the screening, the JCAT Membership Fee is only $190 for 365 days (1 year)—a personal investment of less than $16 a month toward your future.
We invite you to take this leap and challenge yourself beyond borders with us!
SEE YOU SOON!