- Collaboration workshop with artists and children to be held -
Tokyo, Japan - Located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the "Panasonic Center Tokyo" (3-5-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo) Panasonic's Corporate Global Communications Hub, Panasonic creative museum "AkeruE" is proud to introduce the artwork project from the 2020 Japan-US Artist Exchange Program "United by Emotions" for a limited time from October 19, 2021 to March 27, 2022.
The Japan-US Creative Artists Program is a program sponsored by the Japan-US Friendship Commission, where U.S. artists are offered the opportunity of a short term residency in Japan to get in touch with the culture and arts of both countries and work on unique creative approaches in various fields. This project aims to deepen mutual understanding and exchange between artists by conducting research and creative activities. In the 2020-21 program, as the first attempt since its inception, five groups of artists from Japan and the United States have teamed up to create works, which will be exhibited and performed in Tokyo. Among them, the project of muralist Ben Volta, who has been working to incorporate art into educational initiatives for nearly 20 years, works on new approach to stimulate the creativity of children in Japan and the United States by combining self-expression and art. Such approach perfectly in line with the Panasonic Creative Museum "AkeruE" 's philosophy, which aims to support youth's creative actions and next-generation development, has been the milestone to exhibit the artistic project for a limited time at Panasonic's facility.
AkeruE is a place created to develop children's creative abilities by providing a wide range of cross-cutting themes rooted in STEAM education*. As a symbolic representation of the letter "A (Art) of STEAM," the artistic project along with creative workshops for children have been welcomed with open arms at AkeruE.
The project "United by Emotions" has been created based on parts made by children during several workshops in various parts of Japan and the United States. The theme for the workshop was "drawing energy". Energy is a common source of all science, art and sports. Inspired by the energy expressed in creative movements, children expressed their energy and emotions in lines and circles. Such workshop helped stimulating creativity of various children regardless of age or skill.
Prior to the general opening on October 19, an opening ceremony was held on October 18 with the participation of both Japanese and US artists, including Mr. Philip Roskamp Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs, from the Embassy of the United States of America. Roskamp commented, "This wonderful team approach reflects the spirit of unity that animates and highlights the enduring partnership between Japan and the United States of America. I hope you all enjoy the art today and, more importantly, appreciate the conversations and connections they generate." And the artists expressed their feelings about the creation of such empowering project with youth.
Mr. Philip Roskamp, Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America
Ribbon Cutting ceremony (Left: Philip Roskamp, Middle: Alex Ikenouchi, Right: NichiBei creative artists)
Artwork: NichiBei Kids Public Art Project
Through these activities, Panasonic will continue to support children's learning experiences to create a better world.
*STEAM education is an educational method advocated by adding the "A" of Art to "STEM education" for integrated learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Exhibition outline
Period
October 19, 2021 (Tuesday) -March 27, 2022 (Sunday) *Closed every Monday, year-end and New Year holidays
Venue
Panasonic Center Tokyo, 2nd floor AkeruE (Location: 3-5-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Contents
2020 Japan-US Artist Exchange Program Exhibition of art work "United by Emotions"
*Information on the collaborative workshops will be posted on AkeruE's official website and Instagram.
Artist introduction
NichiBei Kids Public Art Project: United By Emotions
Ben Volta
Ben Volta creates intricate public murals and sculptures, working within the fields of education, restorative justice, and urban planning. His practice stands on the belief that art can be a catalyst for change. As a young artist, Volta was a member of the groundbreaking art collective Tim Rollins and K.O.S. and was awarded a Pew Fellowship in 2015. For almost two decades, Volta has been developing a collaborative process with Philadelphia public schools to create participatory art rooted in an exploratory and educational process.
Cho Kuwakado
The director of Lumbini Kindergarten in Saiki City, Japan. After studying social anthropology in the United States and England, Kuwakado established the Pacific Kids Mural Foundation together with Yasuyuki Sakura and Hiroaki Seo. He works on the Chara-Rimpa Project to promote mural art and cultural exchange projects for kids and communities around the world.
Yasuyuki Sakura
An artist and president of Team Sakura Art Project Inc. Sakura received a PhD in fine arts from Tokyo University of the Arts. A 2003 ISCP fellow. His project Kodomo Energy Summit, which incorporated arts with green energy education, received a Good Design Award and Kids Design Award in 2015. He also dedicates himself to cultural exchange for kids through the Chara-Rimpa Project.
- AkeruE Official Homepage
https://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/center-tokyo/akerue.html - AkeruE Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/akerue_panasonic/
Contact
Panasonic Center Tokyo
Phone: +81-(0)3-3599-2600 (Reception hours: 10:00-18:00 JST)
Information for group tours
We look forward to your active reservations, such as for school trips and off-campus learning.
Please see here for tour details and reservation information.
https://www.panasonic.com/jp/corporate/center-tokyo/school.html (Japanese)
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Photos
The artwork project from the 2020 Japan-US Artist Exchange Program "United by Emotions"
Ben Volta
Cho Kuwakado
Yasuyuki Sakura
Mr. Philip Roskamp, Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America
Ribbon Cutting ceremony (Left: Philip Roskamp, Middle: Alex Ikenouchi, Right: NichiBei creative artists)
Artwork: NichiBei Kids Public Art Project
