The Power of Co-Creation: Welfare Professionals and Artists Collaborate

The Power of Co-Creation in the TURN LAND Program

The TURN LAND Program represents a unique intersection of arts and welfare, showcasing the potential of collaboration between welfare professionals and artists. Initiated in 2015 as part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Cultural Program, TURN LAND evolved from an artist exchange initiative into a fully collaborative art project over a decade of experimentation. This program is a follow-up to the 'TURN' initiative, which ended in the fiscal year 2021, and is powered by the collaboration of welfare facilities, artists, and a dedicated nonprofit organization.

Creating Creative Spaces through Art

The essence of the TURN LAND Program lies in its commitment to fostering meaningful interactions among welfare staff, artists, and community members. This initiative emphasizes understanding and recognizing the diverse attributes of individuals, creating a space where everyone can find joy in co-creating art. By concentrating on individual talents and values, participants can overcome the walls that often separate them. Through this artistic lens, the program transforms the busy welfare environments into spaces of creativity and exchange.

This year, the program has launched seven new projects across Tokyo, each tailored to the specific characteristics and size of the participating facilities. The outcome is a collection of inclusive and sustainable art programs that resonate profoundly with the community, serving as inspirational examples for a diverse and creative future.

The Creative Process of Co-Creation

The TURN LAND Program emphasizes the importance of dialogue among participants. This is not a temporary art event; instead, it fosters an environment in which artists and welfare staff become active contributors, known as 'project members,' rather than passive spectators. The collaborations include a variety of talents: dancers, musicians, engineers, and philosophers—all working together to explore new artistic expressions and support techniques.

During the projects, individuals from diverse backgrounds converse, embracing their differences and enabling an inclusive atmosphere. This facilitates the development of invaluable communication skills, extending far beyond the realms of welfare and art into various sectors. Participants learn about alternative perspectives and approaches, fostering personal growth and inciting a sense of communal evolution.

Building Networks for Social Cohesion

The TURN LAND meetings are platforms where welfare professionals and artists converge to exchange insights and build a network dedicated to realizing a harmonious society. The program began with 19 facilities, engaging individuals from various welfare sectors, including services for the elderly and people with disabilities. Each project uniquely reflects the nature of its facility, reinforcing its sustainability and relevance to the local community.

As artists engage with individuals who typically have limited access to cultural spaces, they cultivate valuable connections. These friendships bridge gaps created by social barriers, ultimately transforming how individuals perceive their daily lives. Such experiences enable welfare staff to carry the lessons learned into new environments, enriching the broader community with flexible mindsets that embrace diversity.

Learn More and Participate

The TURN LAND Program maintains a comprehensive archive of the processes involved in these projects, including videos and guides accessible through the official website. Additionally, participants can keep an eye on upcoming events where they can experience the intricacies of this co-creative process in action.

- Upcoming Events:

- September 28: TURN LAND Meeting at River Side Harajuku, showcasing project insights and artist performances.
- October 18: Collaboration event at Asakusa Mirido, featuring open spaces for creative engagement.

In conclusion, the TURN LAND Program exemplifies how artistic collaboration can serve as a conduit for societal transformation, bringing together diverse voices and fostering a community of empathy and understanding. Whether you are an artist, a welfare professional, or simply curious about the intersection of art and welfare, the TURN LAND Program offers valuable lessons and opportunities for engagement.

For more information, visit the official website.