#Japan #Setagaya #Art Design Lab #Kids Design Award #Creative Education

Art Design Lab: Inspiring Young Minds in 2024

Art Design Lab, a creative school managed by Baby Toy, has made significant strides in 2024, embodying its motto "Let's Surprise Our Minds!" Through numerous challenges and innovative projects, the school has expanded its recognition within society.

Overview of Art Design Lab

Since its inception in Setagaya Ward in 2018, Art Design Lab has dedicated itself to nurturing children's curiosity and expression through creativity. With a core mission to protect every child’s inquisitiveness and artistic voice, the school aims to cultivate critical skills necessary for the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) era, like problem-solving, hypothesis building, and collaborative creation. The program supports children, starting from age four, through questioning methodologies that stimulate creative thinking.

Over the years, nearly 500 classes (approximately 590 hours) have been conducted, leading to the creation of over 50 artistic pieces in various genres, including illustration, crafting, plush toys, animation, YouTube content, and NFT art by 96 children. A diverse team of facilitators—comprising active designers, art directors, and educators—work collaboratively to enrich the learning experience.

Achievements in 2024

In the year 2024, Art Design Lab expanded its reach by hosting 96 classes with 55 young participants. A hallmark of the year was winning the Kids Design Award for the "Design Category that Expands Creativity and Future for Children". This achievement was acknowledged with the prestigious Kids Design Council Chairman's Award, underscoring the program's significant societal impact.

Additionally, opportunities for children to engage with the broader community increased substantially. Children participated as young reporters in events such as "An Exciting Future Ahead 2024" and showcased their creativity at the annual "Maker Faire Tokyo 2024", which included innovative projects and peer-led facilitation during the "Kodomo Department Store" initiative.

Advancements in Digital Tools

2024 also saw a notable enhancement in the utilization of digital tools. Initiatives like "Anytime Art" allow families to share their creations through the official LINE platform, while an AI facilitator has been introduced to support parents. Furthermore, training sessions aimed at developing facilitators' skills and practical abilities were conducted. The future vision includes expanding facilitation activities led by current and former students.

Parental Feedback

Parents have expressed their gratitude for the free-flowing approach to creativity at Art Design Lab, highlighting that their children thrive in an environment that encourages self-expression without stringent goals. Testimonials reveal that even children who are averse to extracurricular activities are enthusiastic about the art courses, showcasing the unique value that Art Design Lab provides. Positive reinforcement and nurturing environments have been summoned, with parents noting that these efforts enhance their child’s self-esteem significantly.

Plans for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, the number of classes is set to increase from 96 to 144, driven by high demand from current students and new applicants. This expansion will allow for more children to explore their artistic potential. In the spring, the program is poised to welcome an additional 10 new students, ultimately accommodating 30 new enrollments throughout the year.

Enhancements in educational quality will come through the implementation of a Creative Note system that focuses on individual artistic processes, along with launching an online community to help parents enjoy their children's artistic journeys. New classes, including a curriculum for a magic photo party for four-year-olds and technology classes for older students, will kick off with trial sessions in May.

In parallel, Baby Toy—a brand founded in 2009—continues to promote creative solutions through a variety of educational resources and family-oriented products, living up to its name meaning 'little inquiries'. With a commitment to fostering a delightful lifestyle for families, Baby Toy integrates creativity into everyday life through workshops, events, and engaging media productions.

For more information on joining Art Design Lab or attending trial sessions, parents are encouraged to register via the official LINE account to receive priority updates.

Location: 2-37-10 Ikegiri, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Contact: baby@to-i.net
Website: Art Design Lab
Instagram: @bab_bab