MONO JAPAN FOUNDATION
BRIDGING CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Through our activities over the years, we have been able to introduce many aspects of Japan’s craftsmanship and culture of manufacturing across wider audiences and in more depth, while simultaneously bridging this Japanese culture with Europe's unique design culture, creating significant international relationships.
In order to continue realizing our vision and to continue our operations, in November 2019 we registered Stichting MONO JAPAN, a non-profit foundation. Moving forward, as a cultural organization we aim to facilitate not only business opportunities but also creative and culturally-driven opportunities in the modern era.
In November 2019 the organisation became a foundation under Dutch law and works now under the name of Stichting MONO JAPAN. Stichting MONO JAPAN functions as an active platform moderator in establishing new Dutch-Japanese creative partnerships.
In 2020, MONO JAPAN moved its Artist In Residence (AIR) program for designers/artists in The Netherlands and traditional craftspeople/artisans in Japan to a digital platform. MJ ONLINE AIR was held from October 2020 to April 2021, the online meetings were archived on YouTube channel.
These program were supported by the Creative Industries Fund NL and The Embassy of The Kingdom of The Netherlands.
For interviews, guest lecture and talks, please send a email to info@monojapan.nl
AIR Program 2024
AIR Program 2024
AKIYA AIR is an Artist-in-Residence program set to be launched in 2024 by Stichting MONO JAPAN. This initiative aims to establish a creative hub in Yunotsu town in Shimane prefecture, Japan, attracting visionary individuals worldwide. This program will explore the potential of transforming “Akiya” (vacant houses) in rural areas into homes for a new, creative, and sustainable community while revitalizing the depopulating town. A strong focus on materials and sustainability, integral aspects of Japanese arts and crafts, will also be at the heart of this program.
The open call and the details will be annouced soon!
Past Programmes
MONO & TALKS
MONO JAPAN's first exhibition and online talk event in Tokyo on international creative collaboration
On October 15th and 16th 2021, within the grounds of Tokyo’s new landmark Tokyo Torch, MONO JAPAN and partner organisations held an exhibition during the Onland Craft Market entitled “MONO & TALKS,” showcasing international creative cooperation in the craft industries. While MONO JAPAN is based in the Netherlands, this was our first-ever official exhibition in Japan. At the same time, we held an online talk event connecting Japan and the Netherlands.
MONO JAPAN
ONLINE AIR
2020
Stichting MONO JAPAN moved its Artist In Residence (AIR) program for designers & artists in the Netherlands and traditional craftspeople & artisans in Japan to a digital platform.
Rather than in physical co-presence, the Dutch and Japanese participants of the program will hold their meetings online. MONO JAPAN will edit and publish documentaries of the video recordings of the digital encounters.
MONO JAPAN
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
2019
MONO JAPAN Artist in Residence program is a new venture of MONO JAPAN to promote cultural collaborations between Japanese craftsmanship and Dutch creative designers. Our aim is to become a platform for the 'special chemistry' between Dutch creators and Japanese traditional craftsmen, which will contribute to the visibility of Dutch design in the Japanese cultural sector and vice versa.