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The Possibilities of Art in the Postmodern Era
  Artlink Japan-US Forum: Kyoto Session


The 20th century was a period in which individuality and independency were highly regarded.  Today, in the 21st century, we are beginning to think that the key for better living for both individuals and for groups lies in ‘relationships.’
     It is there that the possibility for ‘art’ exists.  Art enables understanding within oneself and in regard to others, and will create ‘relationships’ between individuals and the world.
     Affiliates of ‘Creative Clay,’ the Florida, USA-based Art NPO advocating ‘Artlink,’ will be coming to Japan.  On the occasion of their visit, let us reconsider the idea of ‘Artlink’ and think about the new possibilities of art in the Postmodern era.
(in Japanese or in English with Japanese translation)

Date:
Wednesday, April 25th, 2007  6:00PM-8:00PM
Admission 5:30PM-

Place:
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto  1F auditorium

Admission/Maximum Capacity:
free; 100 (first come first serve, in order of application)
Application required (see below), deadline: April 18th (Wed.)


Organizer:
Tanpopo-no-ye Foundation

Co-organizers:
Able Art Japan
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

Cooperation:
Creative Clay Inc.
Museum Access View
Kyoto University of Art and Design

Sponsorship:
Kao Corporation
CMIC Corporation


About Artlink
‘Artlink’ is a project in which a person with a disability and an artist pair up and produce a collaborative artwork.  It questions the notion of the ‘relationship,’ and we believe that it is very important to promote the concept of this program in Japan today.  Creative Clay presented the concept, which has then been introduced and spread throughout Japan.  It is noted for its style of presenting the projects to society with its focus on the relationship involved and the process of completing the artwork.


Program
* The program may be changed without notice.
1.  ‘The Possibility of Art in the Postmodern Era’
An investigation of the possibilities in art in a broad sense in regard to the present situation in Japan, the US, or other parts of the world.
2.  Keynote speech: ‘What is Artlink?’
A speech by the founder of Artlink about the possibilities and missions of Artlink in enhacing the societal meaning of art.
3.  Case reports: ‘The Role of the Artist in Our Society’
                  ‘Activity and Environment Preparation for Artlink in Kyoto’
Affiliates from both Japan and the US will make presentations on such topics as participatory/collaborative art and the possibilities of its process, the role of the artist, the effect of enhancing the sense of value felt by both the participating artist and the artist with a disability, and the meaning of a process that involves a whole community.
4.  Q&A/Comments
Reflecting upon the case reports, there will be an exchange of opinions between the affiliates from both countries as well as the audience.

Speakers
Grace-Anne Alfiero Executive director and co-founder of Creative Clay; artist

Over a span of fifteen years, Ms. Alfiero has developed activities to enhance the participation of people with disabilities in the art community in Florida.  In 1995, she co-founded ‘Creative Clay.’  She is recognized as a specialist in the field of art management for groups with special needs.
Sarah Ellen Smith Jewelry artist

As a professional artist, Ms. Smith has developed creative programs using various media over a span of twenty-five years.  She also manages art classes in Florida and New York.  She has participated in Artlink twice, and has said that art enables us to go beyond the boundaries of language, culture and intellect, and that teaching art has enriched her own creativity.
David Williams Painter/Printmaker

As a professional artist, many of Mr. Williams’s artworks are in art museum collections and have appeared in publications.  He has participated in Artlink while simultaneously continuing his own art practice.  He has expressed the intersection of his own image with one held by a person with a disability in the form of a painting.
SHIRAI Syou Kobe Yamate University student

Due to an eye illness, Mr. Shirai gradually lost his sight from three years of age and became totally blind at ten.  He enjoyed making artworks with clay as a child, and also produced many works upon joining the pottery club in junior high school.  He enjoys sports that involve nature such as mountain climbing and canoeing.  He is a member of Paramount Challenge Canoe.  In 2005, he participated in the Artlink project.
AMAKAWA Yui Company employee, artist

Ms. Amakawa has participated in mural projects for hospitals and in the management of participation-based traveling exhibitions since she was a university student.  Today, she paints on signboards and fusuma (Japanese-style sliding doors), conducts live painting performances and drawing activities with kindergartners in swimming pools, and so forth.  She continues to produce artwork as she seeks places or opportunities to connect people with art.  In 2005, she participated in the Artlink project.
ABE Kozue Representative of Museum Access View

While she was at Kyoto Seika University, Ms. Abe became interested in expression by people with disabilities and experienced exhibition management.  After graduating, she was involved in the publication of related books and in the management of art projects.  In 2002, she became interested in art appreciation and creative activities by people with visual impairment, and now oversees Museum Access View, a group that practices art appreciation with words.

Coordinator
HARIMA Yasuo Chief director of Tanpopo-no-ye Foundation; executive director of Able Art Japan


How to apply for participation
Please send in your (1) name, (2) phone number or e-mail address, and (3) place of employment or study via FAX, e-mail, telephone, or mail by April 18, 2007.  Also, please note that applications cannot be accepted once the maximum capacity has been filled.
Application deadline: April 18 (Wed.)

Applications/Contact
Artlink Japan-US Forum: Kyoto Session Desk
Tanpopo-no-ye Foundation
     3-25-4 Rokujō Nishi
     Nara  630-8044
TEL 0742-43-7055
FAX 0742-49-5501
Application form (in Japanese only)
     http://popo.or.jp/form/entry_artlinkf.html
Details (in Japanese only)
     http://popo.or.jp/new/detail.php?cid=122


Related projects
The ‘Artlink Japan-US Forum’ will take place in three sessions.  For further information, please contact the Tanpopo-no-ye Foundation.

     Okayama Session:  April 20 (Fri.)  6:30PM-8:30PM
          Okayama Prefecture Tenjinyama Cultural Plaza: Hall
          Host: Heart Art Okayama NPO (http://www.artlink-p.com/)

     Tokyo Session:  April 28 (Sat.)  1PM-5PM
          Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo: Lecture Hall
          Host: Tanpopo-no-ye Foundation (http://popo.or.jp/)


Please note that admission for the exhibition and Collection Gallery is not included.

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