HAMA CONNECTED Grants: Revitalizing Fukushima Through Arts and Culture

The 2023 call for applications for the HAMA CONNECTED initiative is now open! This grant program aims to encourage creativity through arts and culture in the Hamadori region of Fukushima Prefecture. With a focus on developing community ties and enhancing local allure, this grant offers financial assistance ranging from 1 million to 20 million yen.

Grant Objectives

The main goal of the HAMA CONNECTED initiative is to create captivating projects that will boost the attractiveness of the 12 municipalities affected by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The program invites businesses and organizations, regardless of their sector, to collaborate with artists on projects that leverage art and design to foster community engagement and growth.

Notable participating municipalities include Tamura City, Minamisoma City, Kawamata Town, and others within the region. Through this initiative, the program aims to create connections that extend beyond local boundaries, promoting the charm of these areas to both national and international audiences.

Application Process

The application period runs from May 9 to June 9, 2023, with all submissions required to be made by 17:00 JST on the final day. Prospective applicants must submit a preliminary declaration by June 5, 2023. Be aware that without this submission, your application will not be accepted, so stay mindful of the deadlines. All relevant documents, including guidelines and application forms, are accessible online through the official HAMA CONNECTED website.

Support Provided

The HAMA CONNECTED initiative does not just offer financial aid; it also provides various forms of support to ensure project success.

1. Expert Connections: After selection, grantees can be introduced to professionals and artists to assist in executing their projects. This service incurs no additional fees and is designed to streamline collaboration.

2. Networking Opportunities: HAMA CONNECTED aims to create opportunities for selected grantees to meet and work together, facilitating connections across different sectors to strengthen community engagement.

3. Ongoing Assistance: The initiative assures that grantees receive advice and support regarding the disbursement and execution of their projects to foster a secure environment for creative endeavors.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to organizations and individuals from the 12 municipalities of Hamadori, as well as participants from across Japan, including artists. Projects do not necessarily need to be completed in their entirety during the funding period; substantial parts of projects may also be eligible. Furthermore, multiple projects can be bundled into one application for collective consideration.

Examples of Eligible Projects

Eligible projects can range widely and may include:

- Tourism Experiences: Collaborative efforts to create tourism programs that highlight local charms with the help of creators.
- Product Development: Innovations in product design and the implementation of promotional events in and outside the prefecture.
- Art Installations: Establishing art pieces that symbolize the region.
- Community Engagement Centers: Facilities designed to facilitate encounters and interactions between local residents and artists.
- Art Events: Hosting continuous art events that attract artists and art lovers alike.
- Promotional Materials: Developing and distributing PR videos that convey the allure of the 12 municipalities to broader audiences.

In addition, there’s the Hamaカルアートプロジェクト, which supports artists and students engaged in artistic activities within the 12 municipalities through residency programs.

For any inquiries regarding this grant program, you may contact the HAMA CONNECTED secretariat via email at [email protected] during business hours (weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00).

This funding initiative is backed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and is managed by Yamaide Art Office, ensuring a structured and supportive framework for all applicants. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of Fukushima through the arts!