#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Arts Council #START Box #YAU

START Box Exhibition vol.5: An Artistic Showcase in Tokyo

The START Box Exhibition vol.5 is set to take place in Tokyo, organized by the Tokyo Arts Council and the Tokyo Historical and Cultural Foundation. This exciting event focuses on providing a creative platform for young artists, enabling them to flourish and continue their artistic endeavors. The exhibition will be hosted at the newly established YAU CENTER Zenigame, from February 25 to March 9, featuring unique works from a cohort of 11 talented artists.

Overview of the Exhibition

The START Box initiative has been instrumental in supporting emerging artists, utilizing vacant retail spaces in public housing to establish creative studios. This year’s exhibition will present a wide range of artistic expressions while fostering dialogue through various interactive activities such as guided viewings and artist talks led by seasoned moderators.

Key Details:

• - Dates:

- Session I: February 25 (Wed) - March 2 (Mon)
- Session II: March 4 (Wed) - March 9 (Mon)

• - Opening Hours: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Extended to 8:00 PM on Feb 25 and Mar 4 due to events)
• - Location: YAU CENTER Zenigame, Chiyoda-ku, Otemachi 2-6-3

Participating Artists:

Session I:

• - Im Jeyoung
• - unu
• - Rikako Otani
• - Fumi Kato
• - Kanade Shinohara

Session II:

• - Ayumi Suzuki
• - Noriyasu Hayata
• - Takayuki Nakamura
• - Misato Nonaka
• - Mioka Matsuura
• - Saku Morikawa

Special Events

1. Opening Events

On February 25 and March 4, attendees can enjoy special interpretations of the showcased artworks by the participating artists, followed by opportunities for networking.
Time: 6 PM - 8 PM

2. Interactive Viewings

Facilitated by Yu Odagawa, these sessions provide audiences with a chance to share their impressions and insights about the artworks, enhancing understanding and appreciation of the pieces.
Dates:

• - February 26, 6 PM - 7 PM
• - March 7, 2 PM - 3 PM

3. Artist Talks

Moderated by Mikiko Matsumoto, director of the POLA Museum Annex, participating artists will engage in insightful discussions about their work.
Dates:

• - March 1, 2 PM - 3 PM
• - March 8, 2 PM - 3 PM

(Note: Reservations necessary for the talks.)

Admission Details

Entry to the exhibition is free of charge and does not require prior booking. Visitors who provide feedback through a survey will be rewarded with 100 Tokyo Points, adding a fun incentive to participate!

About START Box

The START Box program aims to support young artists by providing them with creative spaces, enabling continued artistic growth and development. Launched in 2023, this initiative features various locations including START Box Sasahatahatsu, START Box Odaiba, and more recently, START Box Shirahige, which opened in January 2024 and includes rehearsal spaces.

For more information, visit the official START Box website: startbox.jp

About YAU

YAU (Yurakucho Art Urbanism) started in February 2022 as an innovative pilot program aimed at mingling art with urban life, promoting creative encounters that spark innovation. In collaboration with the Tokyo government since October 2022, YAU engages with the community through the public display of the artistic process to inspire sustainable artist activities within business districts.

For further details, check the YAU official website: arturbanism.jp

For inquiries, please contact the:
Tokyo Bureau of Cultural Promotion, Department of Culture, Phone: 03-5000-5664
Tokyo Arts Council, Planning Division, Phone: 03-6256-8432