Kyūshū values art, but it’s not easy to devote one’s life to it if you have bills hanging over your head. Indeed, many artists from Kyūshū, but generally all around the world, are struggling to make ends meet, and unfortunately, many give up their craft for that reason as they choose employment with guaranteed income.
It is very sad to see a talented artist having to pick another job to be able to put food on their table. This is why we hope we can help struggling artists in Kyūshū with this article that will discuss charitable organisations dedicated to aiding them and making them and their art flourish in today’s world.
Arts Workers Japan
One of the biggest charitable organisations catering to artists is Arts Workers Japan. The national non-profit organisation aims to promote Japanese art and culture and to aid Japanese artists in many different spheres.
The organisation is based in Tokyo, but it serves artists from all around the country, Kyūshū naturally included.
The ambitious goal of Arts Workers Japan is for Japanese artists to live comfortably, benefitting from social security and fair pay, while also having sound physical and mental health by achieving good balance of work and leisure.
Arts Workers Japan is partially funded by the Japanese government, but it also records private donations. The non-profit organisation provides various services to Japanese artists.
For example, their safety net program compensates art workers who do risky jobs. There is a dedicated Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Center that workers can easily join. All you have to do to apply is explain your job and share how much you earn. This insurance scheme is run by the government and supposedly offers generous compensation.
Arts Workers Japan also has dedicated clinical psychologists who help artists struggling with mental health and they can be easily accessed online. In addition, the organisation recognises the threat of harassment that some art workers, especially those in the performing arts, might experience, and so they have special harassment seminars.
Anyone can become a member of Arts Workers Japan, regardless of occupation, age or income. In order to do that, you’ll have to apply on their website, complete the form and await confirmation.
Kawamura Arts and Cultural Foundation
The Kawamura Arts and Cultural Foundation is based in Tokyo, but it has charitable projects available to artists all across Japan. One of their current projects is the Socially Engaged Art project.
The Socially Engaged Art project means to popularise socially engaged art which is not very renowned in Japan. The organisation aims to attract artists whose works look at issues such as economic discrepancies, environmental problems and immigrant struggles, and many others.
The foundation wants to create a better future for all through art and support artists who share their beliefs.
Any Kyūshū artist who thinks they fit the criteria can apply for a grant through this program which runs from 1st April 2024 until 31st March 2025. Applicants need to satisfy a number of requirements such as their art exhibiting new methods of artistic expression and featuring collaborative efforts, among other things.
To see the full list of requirements and the documents necessary for applying, check the Kawamura Arts and Cultural Foundation’s website.
The Japan Foundation
The Japan Foundation is an American non-profit organisation which finances various projects associated with Japan and its citizens. The organisation has a dedicated grants page for Japanese artists that subsidises Japanese art with the idea to promote it internationally.
One of the past programs titled The Grant Program for Dispatching Artists and Cultural Specialists, for example, provided financial aid for artists and cultural specialists who take part in cultural events abroad that mean to popularise Japanese arts and culture.
The list of programs is updated every few months, so make sure to check the page for any new listings.
Hoboku
Hoboku is a non-profit organisation based in Kita-Kyūshū whose goal is to create a town where “one can ask for help and live easily” under the Kibo no Machi (Town of Hope) project. The organisation helps poor individuals, children and the elderly.
It recently acquired a building in Kita-Kyūshū that would house various social workers who would work tirelessly to support struggling residents of the city, including artists. The organisation encourages locals to volunteer and create this ideal town based on communal aid.
The president of Hoboku noted that the Coronavirus pandemic brought the issue of social vulnerability to the forefront, showing the struggles of the employed and unemployed alike.
Hoboku provides free meals, as well as help finding accommodation and employment, and various other social welfare programs. Anyone can contact Hoboku and ask for assistance in a time of need, artists included.
University Welfare
Universities in Kyūshū aim to provide high-quality education, as well as support for all of their students.
Art students who are struggling financially can utilise various schemes available across many universities on the island. This includes, but is not limited to, free mental health services, free meals, free educational materials, tuition waivers, and scholarships.
If you find yourself in financial need, do not hesitate to reach out to your university and ask what programs might be available to you.
