The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Arts Council Tokyo, are launching "NEXTART," a human resource development program targeting working adults who wish to leverage their diverse experiences and skills in the field of arts and culture. Applications are now open for the program, set to commence in Fiscal Year 2026.

In its inaugural year, the program will span a total of six days. Through lectures and site visits by experts and practitioners in contemporary art, living culture, public relations, and business, participants will explore the connections between their own experiences and the arts and culture sector, aiming to develop concrete ideas for their next endeavors.

Features of "NEXTART ~Encountering Arts and Culture, Opening Up Your Career~"

● Deepen understanding of contemporary art from multiple perspectives through lectures, site visits, and participant presentations.

● Explore new possibilities for connecting with the art world by leveraging each participant's unique skills and experiences.

● Gain practical knowledge from instructors active in both the business and art fields.

● Foster interaction among instructors, facilitators, and participants through discussions and group work.

Program (6 Days, 10 Sessions)

Facilitator: Arts Initiative Tokyo [AIT], Ken Yorimoto

Date & Venue

Title & Instructor (Titles omitted)

September 5 (Sat)

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Venue: Arts Council Tokyo

1. "Why is Art Necessary for Society?"

Instructor: Tomoko Yabumae (Curator, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art; Visiting Professor, Musashino Art University)

2. "Discovering the 'Connections' Between Work, Life, and Art"

Instructor: Roger McDonald (Arts Initiative Tokyo [AIT] / Director, FENBERGER HOUSE / Director, Tatsu'e Folk Art Museum)

September 12 (Sat)

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo

3. "Museum Initiatives Expanding the Definition of Art"

Instructor: Yukie Kamiya (Chief Curator, The National Art Center, Tokyo) + The National Art Center, Tokyo Team

October 10 (Sat)

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Venue: Arts Council Tokyo

4. "An Overview of the Art Ecosystem from a Business Perspective"

Instructor: Ken Yorimoto (Manager, Art & Culture Business Department, Tokyu Corporation)

5. "Imagine a New Field with Your Business Skills (Expertise) + Art"

Instructor: Nozomi Kikuchi (Sensibility Resonance Planner)

October 24 (Sat)

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Venue: Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Arts Council Tokyo

6. "Art PR That Cultivates Interest"

Instructor: Yasuko Ichikawa (Representative Director, Ii-iro Inc.)

November 21 (Sat)

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Venue: Arts Council Tokyo

7. "Skills Currently Needed in the Art World and Roles That Will Become More Important in the Future"

Instructor: Akiko Miki (Director, Naoshima New Museum of Art / International Artistic Director, Benesse Art Site Naoshima)

8. Preliminary Presentation

December 12 (Sat)

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Venue: Arts Council Tokyo

9. Final Presentation

10. Closing Session

Application Guidelines

Capacity

Approximately 30 participants (selection based on application documents)

Participation Fee

Free

Application Deadline

July 31, 2026 (Fri) 5:00 PM

How to Apply

Please check the official website ( https://next.artscouncil-tokyo.jp/ ) for program details and application information.

View Details

Comments from Facilitators

Arts Initiative Tokyo [AIT]

The fascinating aspect of working in contemporary art is constantly exploring multiple answers and possibilities. What is required changes depending on the people, places, and situations, leading to new discoveries and trial-and-error each time – this "subtlety" is the true charm of art-related work. While artists are at the center of this, diverse expertise and experiences are essential to connect and support their creative activities with society. Your planning, public relations, management, and negotiation skills, among others, can be powerful assets in the art world. We hope this program will be an opportunity for you to leverage your experiences and skills to discover new collaborations and possibilities for value creation.

Ken Yorimoto (Manager, Art & Culture Business Department, Tokyu Corporation)

Bringing the potential of art to Japan's future.

Turning passion that starts from liking something into a job.

Transforming those hidden desires into business.

Creating new value through the power of art.

We await companions who will walk with us on this challenge.

Official Website: https://next.artscouncil-tokyo.jp/

To coincide with the launch of the "NEXTART" human resource development program connecting arts and culture with society and the opening of applications for the FY2026 cohort, the official website has been launched. It features an overview of the project, introductions to each lecture and instructor, application guidelines, and an application form (including multiple questions and a section for describing your motivation).

Official Website

For details, please refer to the official website or the press release (PDF) below.

d38211-1090-34039a66ab18f8a2292c54c5d24b9de8.pdf

Organizers: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Arts Council Tokyo

Curriculum Supervision: Arts Initiative Tokyo [AIT]

Operation: Nikkei BP Consulting, Inc.

[Contact Information]

"NEXTART" Human Resource Development Program Connecting Arts and Culture with Society

Program Office

Inquiry Form: https://vvpb.f.msgs.jp/n/form/vvpb/KaUKMHvtuCzmDmfe6Ghtw

Phone: 03-5679-3125 (Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: プログラム開始