Inaugural 'CULTURAL JOB FAIR' to be Held in Kyoto, Connecting Cultural Work and Talent

artness, the organizer of the 'ART JOB FAIR' for the art industry, will hold its inaugural culture-sector specialized job fair, 'CULTURAL JOB FAIR', at the Kyoto Art Center on December 5th and 6th, 2026.

'CULTURAL JOB FAIR' is a specialized event designed to connect organizations with talent within the cultural field.

As the declining birthrate causes labor shortages, ensuring, training, and passing on talent in the cultural sector has become a critical challenge. Meanwhile, cultural jobs are often difficult to visualize in general job markets, leaving applicants unsure about available roles or potential career paths.

This fair aims to cultivate a new system of talent circulation starting from Kyoto by creating a space for cultural organizations and individuals interested in the cultural sector to connect.

## About CULTURAL JOB FAIR

In this fair, cultural work is defined as 'CULTURAL JOB,' and its practitioners as 'CULTURAL WORKERs,' with the event aiming to visualize work content and career paths. Cultural work is supported by a broad range of skills, including artists, artisans, technicians, and specialists, as well as roles in planning, PR, sales, operations, education, and community engagement. The fair will open doors to cultural careers and serve as a meeting point for organizations and the talent that will sustain culture.

'CULTURAL JOB FAIR' aims to serve as a venue for organizations to convey their appeal and meet candidates. For workers, it is an opportunity to find entry points into cultural careers. For the local community, it promotes residency and revitalizes the local economy and culture by increasing the number of cultural practitioners.

## Hosting in Kyoto

Kyoto Prefecture is actively promoting arts and culture globally, including through events like 'Art Collaboration Kyoto (ACK)', expanding international exchange and market connections.

Furthermore, Kyoto City is fostering creative activities by attracting diverse creative talent. Movements connecting culture to society, industry, and regional development are expanding, such as promoting 'culture-preneurs' who integrate business perspectives into culture to create new value.

To expand these movements, an environment where talent can meet, learn, and connect beyond organizational boundaries is necessary. By visualizing cultural work in Kyoto and facilitating connections, 'CULTURAL JOB FAIR' will create a new cycle of talent circulation to support the inheritance and development of culture.

## From ART JOB FAIR to CULTURAL JOB FAIR

Since 2023, artness has held the art-specialized 'ART JOB FAIR,' attracting 1,530 visitors and 57 participating organizations, resulting in 104 matches over four iterations—an average of 1.8 matches per organization. It has also hosted 49 programs with 64 lecturers, fostering career development for art workers. Leveraging this experience, 'CULTURAL JOB FAIR' is a new initiative focused on the broader cultural sector. The 'ART JOB FAIR' will continue as an art-focused event in Tokyo, while 'CULTURAL JOB FAIR' will expand to cover the broader cultural sector.