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Discover Your Creative Potential with VCP for LIFE PROJECT

Musashino Art University, renowned for its dedication to art and design, has announced the beginning of enrollments for its new program: the "VCP for LIFE PROJECT". This initiative is tailored for working professionals eager to transform their day-to-day experiences into innovative business solutions. The program promotes a hands-on learning environment that encourages participants to engage directly with their communities.

Understanding the VCP

The Value Creation Program (VCP) at Musashino has evolved over time to include diverse methodologies such as design thinking and art-based approaches. Utilizing insights gathered from over 90 years of experience in art education, the VCP aims to facilitate Project-Based Learning (PBL) that integrates various perspectives and fosters new relationships.

Through this program, participants will develop essential skills for launching new projects and businesses. Over the span of ten intensive days, participants in this program will engage in practical exercises, honing their creative and critical thinking in real-world scenarios, culminating in a final presentation to showcase their innovative projects.

Program Overview

1. Foundations of Creative Thinking

• - Day 1: (Sep 3, Sunday, 10:00-18:00) Introduction and Art Perspective Training (Art Prototyping) at Ichigaya Campus.
• - Day 2: (Sep 31, Sunday, 10:00-17:00) Observational Skills Development through Visual Anthropology at Ichigaya Campus.
• - Day 3: (Sep 14, Sunday, 10:00-17:00) Field Art Observational Skills at Ichigaya Campus.
• - Day 4: (Sep 28, Sunday, 10:00-17:00) Ideation Skills Training focusing on Meaning Innovation at Ichigaya Campus.

2. Practical Exercises in Creative Thinking

• - Day 5: (Oct 3, Friday, 13:30-17:30) Dialogue and Exploration in Susami Town, setting a challenge through a narrative approach.
• - Day 6: (Oct 4, Saturday, 9:00-17:00) Creative Perspectives in Susami Town via Bricolage and Action Research.
• - Day 7: (Oct 5, Sunday, 9:00-16:00) Concept Prototyping in Susami Town, combining action research and concept proposals.

3. Presentation and Dialogue

• - Day 8: (Oct 26, Sunday, 10:00-17:00) Materializing Life Projects through Experiential Prototyping at Ichigaya Campus.
• - Day 9: (Nov 9, Sunday, 10:00-17:00) Expanding Life Projects into Practice, focusing on social implementation and expression at Ichigaya Campus.
• - Day 10: (Dec 7, Sunday, 10:00-17:00) Final presentations and dialogue for community development at Ichigaya Campus.

The total duration of the program is 60 hours and is subject to change. For more details, please visit the VCP for LIFE PROJECT website.

Why Susami Town?

Susami Town has been chosen for its unique characteristics which provide a rich field for exploration and growth. Participants will gain valuable insights into local challenges while creating innovative business solutions that can make a difference.

Target Audience

The program is designed for:

• - Professionals interested in developing new services and businesses.
• - Potential future leaders within organizations.
• - Startup entrepreneurs.
• - Government officials tackling local issues.
• - Individuals seeking to drive social innovation using creative thinking.

Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will develop the following capabilities:

• - Problem Discovery Skills: Identifying complex and essential challenges.
• - Leadership Skills: Leading societal and business innovation through creative thinking.
• - Expression Skills: Effectively communicating ideas to others.
• - Ideation Skills: Solving complex issues utilizing art and design methodologies.
• - Implementation Skills: Translating innovative concepts into actionable plans.

Enrollment Requirements

1. A bachelor's degree or equivalent.
2. Recognition of equivalent academic ability.

Completion Requirements

Participants are expected to attend all sessions and complete the required 60 hours, concluding with a final presentation to receive a certificate of completion recognized by the School Education Law.

Enrollment Period

• - First round: June 2, 2025 - June 27, 2025 (until capacity is reached).
• - Second round: June 30, 2025 - July 11, 2025 (until capacity is reached).

Selection will be based on all applications submitted. Please submit your motivational statements through the application form. Results will be notified on June 30, 2025, for the first round and July 14, 2025, for the second round.

Program Cost

The course fee is ¥350,000 (tax included), excluding travel and accommodation expenses.

Capacity

Approximately 30 participants (minimum opening number: 25).

Key Instructors

• - Kazuhiko Yamazaki: Special Researcher at the Social Creative Research Institute, Co-founder of the X Design Institute.
• - Takuma Ishikawa: Associate Professor at Musashino Art University.

Information Session

To understand more about this program, we have scheduled information sessions:

• - First Round:

- June 14, 2025, 10:30-11:30 (Online)
- June 20, 2025, 19:30-20:30 (Online and In-Person)
- June 26, 2025, 19:30-20:30 (Online)

• - Second Round:

- July 3, 2025, 19:30-20:30 (Online, if available).

Please note that in-person sessions will take place at Musashino Art University's Ichigaya Campus, with hybrid options on certain dates.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, please reach out to the Ichigaya Campus Office at [email protected].