Diversity & Inclusion: LIVES Art Project

 Hands On Tokyo's LIVES Project is guided by the mission "To create an inclusive society where the individuality of each person shines, and everyone is empowered to WORK, EAT, and LAUGH together."

On Saturday, September 23rd, we celebrated the 7th annual event, "LIVES TOKYO 2023," which took place at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi. This year, LIVES TOKYO focused on the theme "To make this society more inclusive... Happiness, Inspiration & Diversity!".

The event unfolded in two parts: Canopy Square (11:30 AM to 3:00 PM) and at Hall A (3:30 PM to 6:30 PM) featuring a diverse range of content and collaborations with various individuals and organizations.

Within the event, three LIVES Art projects were highlighted:

1. LIVE Paint by Hinano Fujita at Canopy Square:

At this booth, visitors had the chance to see Hinano Fujita, an artist with autism, create LIVE Artwork. Every stroke of her artwork flowed smoothly, revealing a colorful, pop-inspired, and charming world of art. Hinano Fujita, a member of Atelier "Zuum," crafted several remarkable pieces during the event.

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2. LIVES Project mascot Photo spot creation:

This was carried out as part of Hands On Tokyo's voluneer program "Super Diversity Volunteering!" initiative where we aim to create a "super-diverse" community where children with and without disabilities, as well as children attending international schools, can volunteer in their communities and where intergenerational interactions. Through this program, the junior volunteers created five LIVES mascot photo spots on September 2nd and an additional two on the day of the LIVES TOKYO event at the Canopy Square. 

3. Outsider Artist Masashi Yamano's Paiting Display (Hall A entrance)

Masashi Yamano is an artist who creates unique artwork at the "House of Tampopo Art Center HANA" in Nara Prefecture, Japan. His art explores living creatures, nature, and global cultural heritage. Using vibrant colors and flowing lines, Masashi skillfully captures the lively energy of his subjects in his distinctive semi-abstract style. His 1620×3909mm large sized Artwork, "Mount Fuji with Clouds Resembling a Whale's Back, a Herd of Sharp-Horned Deer, and a Large Black Female Cow" was displayed at the entrance of Hall A, where it would be the first thing guests see when entering the event hall, providing inspiration and a positive vibe. 

The event welcomed diverse attendees, fostering engaging conversations, photography, and newfound inspiration while celebrating the artists' unique expressions and worlds through Art.

Also, the creation of the LIVES mascot photo spot brought together a diverse group of participants, including children, adults, and people from various nationalities, resulting in its successful completion. This unique photo spot was showcased at the LIVES TOKYO event in Hall A, where many guests enthusiastically took pictures using it. We firmly believe that our differences are what make us unique, and the diverse and colorful designs of the LIVES mascot photo spot, crafted by many hands, embody the idea that collaboration can make our world more inclusive and enjoyable!

Many artists are self-taught and often have little or no connection with the traditional art world.We are committed to continuing our efforts to bring these talented artists into society and create an environment where people of various backgrounds can cooperate and collectively create something wonderful. We sincerely appreciate your support.

Links:

• LIVES TOYO 2023 Event Information

Throughout this year, as part of the LIVES Project at Hands On Tokyo, we have organized Outsider Art Caravans at two different company offices so far this year, and more to come. These initiatives aim to introduce corporate employees to the world of Outsider Art and provide them with a better understanding of its significance, treating all Art pieces equally regardless of the Artist's ability. Corporate volunteers have actively participated in the setup process, interacting with the Artwork and gaining direct experience and understanding of the pieces they helped showcase.

To enhance employees' appreciation of Outsider Art, we have conducted online Art Talks during lunchtime. Led by a curator who carefully selects the Art pieces, these talks take participants across Japan to discover Artwork that fits each office's image. The curator shares insights into the background of each piece and information about the Artist behind it. Exploring the stories behind the Art has proven to be a fascinating experience, emphasizing the significance of the Artwork regardless of the Artist's abilities.

Before each Art Caravan, the curator will visit the office space to display remarkable Artwork that suits each area. Utilizing technology, QR codes have been implemented next to each Artwork. Employees can scan these codes using their phones to access information about the Artist and the specific piece. Additionally, if employees are interested, they can purchase the Artwork through the QR code. Once the Art Caravan is complete, the purchased Art will be delivered to the respective buyers. These initiatives foster meaningful engagement with Outsider Art and promote a greater appreciation for the Artists and their unique perspectives.

Having Art in the office has the power to brighten employees' days and spread awareness of Outsider Art to their families, friends, and the wider community. Looking ahead, the LIVES Project aspires to invite Artists to the offices for talks or LIVE Art sessions, providing employees with direct opportunities to engage with them. This personal connection will further deepen understanding and appreciation for Outsider Art.

We express our deep appreciation for the support we have received in making this project a reality and bringing the Artists into the public eye. To expand our impact, we also seek donations for the LIVES Art Project. With additional funds, we can create more opportunities for Artists to engage and interact beyond office displays, reaching public spaces, cities, and other companies. Your generous contributions will help us continue this important work, supporting the Artists in meaningful ways. Thank you for considering contributing to our cause!