#Japan #Tokyo #Inclusive Society #Arts Employment #Tokyo Support Center

Promoting Inclusive Employment through Arts Employment

In an effort to foster a more inclusive society, the Arts Employment initiative aims to achieve legal employment quotas for individuals with disabilities through creative arts. This program is not just about meeting numbers; it actively recognizes artistic expressions as valuable contributions to the workplace and community. Having built a solid track record in Aichi Prefecture, Arts Employment is expanding its reach with a new support center in Tokyo, now catering to businesses in the Kanto region.

The Essence of Arts Employment

Arts Employment advocates for recognition of individuals with disabilities who express their unique talents through various art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, dance, music, and performance. It's about harmonizing their artistic abilities with the needs of local economies, thus fostering mutual coexistence and dignified independence for all involved.

However, the initiative extends beyond standard art forms. It emphasizes the importance of roles such as baristas, sommeliers, and even the joy of a welcoming smile as valid expressions of individual uniqueness within the workforce. Companies can leverage these creative talents not only for art exhibitions but also as innovative communication tools for products, marketing campaigns, and community events, broadening their corporate social responsibility efforts to include artistic performances and workshops in educational settings.

Services Offered to Businesses

For companies contemplating the inclusion of disabled employees, Arts Employment provides swift and dependable assistance in reaching legal employment targets without needing additional investments in facilities or staff.
Creative activities can occur remotely or at the support center, assuring convenience and flexibility.
Our specialized staff offers tailored support based on each individual’s unique abilities to ensure stable and continuous employment.
Businesses can select artists whose styles and expressions align with their brand image.
We manage diverse suggestions for art utilization post-employment, from creative outputs to event participation.
A processing fee of ¥250,000 (tax excluded) is applicable for each employment introduction.
Regular support for sustaining employment is available at approximately ¥70,000/month (tax excluded).

Additionally, companies can benefit from free support related to displaying and utilizing the art created by employees, minimizing financial burdens.

Support for Disabled Artists

The initiative aids artists with disabilities in securing employment opportunities within general companies by facilitating matchmaking and interview processes.
While most activities will take place at home or in the support center, artists will receive comprehensive assistance for creating their art.
Our services also encompass life counseling and various forms of support to ensure steady employment.
Developmental guidance and services geared towards skill enhancement are part of our commitment to nurturing artistic talent.
Artists can showcase their work to their employed companies, participate in exhibitions, and enter competitions under the condition of having a disability certificate.

The Tokyo support center, alongside our main office in Nagoya, is equipped to foster creativity and training, facilitating skill growth while addressing lived experiences as well.

Success So Far

Our practical efforts include connections with 20 hiring companies and the employment of 55 disabled artists, with numerous registered artists awaiting matching opportunities. The movement is designed to shift paradigms around disability in the art and employment sectors, promoting a ripple effect nationwide from Tokyo.

List of Hiring Companies

Significant companies that have embraced this initiative include Blas Co., Chubu Nika Service Co., and Nippon Kinjirushi Co., among others, demonstrating a promising trend towards inclusivity in various sectors.

Quality Employment Matters

At the core of Arts Employment is a commitment to high-quality employment standards. This program emphasizes that those possessing a disability certificate can channel their artistic talents into meaningful employment opportunities. Artists engage in creative activities at home or the support center and report on their progress regularly. Companies are relieved from the pressure of additional investment or resource allocation, as we handle communication and support throughout the lifecycle of the employment.

Moreover, our own exhibitions and events are tailor-made to encourage artistic social participation, thus providing intrinsic value to both the artists and the companies involved. Through training workshops and networking events, we strive to support creative growth holistically.

A Movement Beyond Quotas

While Arts Employment enables companies to fulfill legal employment quotas, it's more importantly a movement aimed at enriching society through the power of artistic expression. The first legal quota system for the employment of disabled individuals was instituted in Germany, initially to reintegrate veterans into society post-World War I; a principle rooted in compassion.
Japan followed suit with the Physical Disabilities Employment Promotion Law in 1960, gradually expanding to include those with intellectual and mental disabilities.
An inclusive society cannot be architected through policies alone; it thrives when diverse individuals work together, acknowledging each other's unique contributions. When artistic talents converge with professional opportunities, new artistic expressions are born, and awareness of individuals with disabilities flourishes, fostering a vibrant society of coexistence. We firmly believe in the profound potential this brings.

Company Background

Arts Employment is spearheaded by AJ Create—a company founded by professionals who possess extensive experience in governmental services, focusing on disability initiatives and arts policies. Our team has successfully matched approximately 55 artists with companies across industries, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from both parties.

Contacts for More Information

• - Nagoya Support Center: AJ Create, 2-40 Kurokawa-hondori, Kita Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi
• - Tokyo Support Center: Fukushima Design Co., 3-11-17 Koiwa, Koto City, Tokyo

For further inquiries and to explore partnerships, please reach out to us via email or visit our websites for more detailed insights.