#Japan #Nerima #High School Students #Nerima Art Museum #Art Seminar

Nerima Art Museum's New Initiative for High School Students

The Nerima Art Museum, located in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, is set to establish an exciting program called the "High School Students Art Seminar" from June 2025 to January 2026. Aimed primarily at middle and high school students, this series of lectures focuses on various aspects of art, marking a significant step forward in the museum's educational outreach efforts.

As the museum prepares for renovations scheduled to commence in the latter half of the 2025 fiscal year in anticipation of a planned reopening in the 2029 fiscal year, it sees this initiative as a crucial opportunity to engage young audiences. This will be the first of its kind for the museum in its 40-year history and is intended to foster a deeper interest in art among youth while introducing them to the diverse professions related to the art world.

Understanding the Art Seminar

The "High School Students Art Seminar" sets out to demystify art and make it more accessible to young students. Often, individuals perceive art as an elusive interest that may seem difficult to approach; however, it surrounds us in numerous forms. Modern art, especially, has become more prevalent in various unexpected venues—ranging from galleries to public spaces and new commercial facilities. These environments are creatively shaped by a myriad of professionals, including artists, curators, critics, and gallerists, indicating the vast ecosystem that exists within the realm of art.

Throughout the seminar, attendees will be exposed to lectures delivered by experts from various fields associated with art. This educational experience aims to illuminate the art world for students, sparking thought and inspiring a new generation of art enthusiasts. The seminar will consist of ten sessions over the year, providing a continuous course format.

Planned Schedule and Speakers

The seminar will kick off on June 14, 2025, with the first session focusing on the role of museum curators. Renowned speakers will include Fumi Ikeda, the Vice Curator of the Suntory Museum, and Hiroko Ono, a curator at the Nerima Art Museum. Other planned sessions feature experts from diverse art disciplines:
1. June 14: "The Work of Museum Curators" – Fumi Ikeda and Hiroko Ono
2. July 26: "The Work of a Ceramic Artist" – Naki Takahashi
3. August 9: "The Work of a Gallery" – Tomio Koyama
4. August 23: "Exploring Beyond the Body" – Kohei Wakahaba
5. September 23: "Considering Public Art" – Nobuhiro Shiihara
6. October 4: "Seeing, Hearing, and Conveying Art" – Akiko Nagata
7. November 1: Featuring artist Gō Ozawa
8. December 13: Featuring art critic and Tama Art University professor, Noe Sawaragi
9. December 27: (Tentative) "International Exchange in Art" – Masanobu Ito, the director of the Nerima Art Museum
10. January 17, 2026: Featuring Art Director Atsuki Kikuchi

Note that the schedule and speakers are subject to change.

Enrollment Details

The seminar is designed as a continuous course, catering to a limited audience of 30 participants. Students looking to attend all lectures can expect a fee of 5,000 yen, payable at the museum before the first session. Applicants must be aged between 13 and 18, with the possibility for 12-year-olds in their first year of middle school to apply. Basic proficiency in Japanese conversation and familiarity with email and internet usage are prerequisites.

Additionally, successful applicants will receive a comprehensive record of all sessions, tentatively titled "High School Students Art Seminar: Complete Lecture Notes" after the conclusion of the seminar in April 2026. Students who complete the full course will also receive a certificate of completion.

Application Process

The application period runs from May 1 to May 30, 2025. Interested students should fill out the application form available on the museum's official website. As spaces are limited, participants will be selected through a lottery if demand exceeds capacity. For those wanting to attend specific lectures, a separate registration will open about one month prior to each session.

This initiative by the Nerima Art Museum not only exemplifies its commitment to art education but also aims to cultivate a wider appreciation for art among Japan's youth. So, are you ready to embark on a year-long journey into the world of art?