Mission Statement

We believe that the pursuit of happiness must seek beyond materialistic comfort and also requires emotional and spiritual fulfillment. We believe that art makes the attainment of this objective possible. More often than not, though, we simply enjoy various forms of art (like attending concerts or art exhibitions) without paying much attention to the act of creating art.

CLA feels strongly that we should rectify this lack of focus on the creation of art in Japan through promoting grass-roots support for artistic causes. We began in 1993 by holding study sessions that invited artists of various disciplines (orchestral musicians, contemporary artists, stage designers, etc.). As issues emerged and areas where support was most needed were identified, we became involved in organizing and participating in projects to support artists of various genres. Over the years, our membership has steadily expanded.

In order for us to strengthen and expand our support activities, in late 1999 we applied to the Metropolitan Government of Tokyo for non-profit corporation status and won approval in March 2000. Thus we are now well-poised to accomplish our mission.

From the simple enjoyment
to the fostering and
support of the arts

Study Sessions
Inviting artists/supporters of various genres to identify issues and consider solutions/support measures

Policy Recommendations
Making policy recommendations to national/local governments, economic federations, corporations, foundations and citizens' groups based on the findings our study sessions so that their respective support measures will compliment each other

Support Activities
Assisting young, promising musicians and nurturing new musical audiences by co-sponsoring salon concerts in Tokyo

Assisting one of Tokyo's orchestras to expand its base of patronage (soliciting new membership & organizing patrons parties);

Established an art center in Tokyo to assist artists in creating and marketing artworks and to facilitate the cross-fertilization of ideas between artists of various genres

Not-profit organization
Citizens League for the Arts (CLA)
RJ Plaza 203 2-30-20
Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
Tokyo, Japan 171-0021
Tel: 81-3-5985-5322
Fax: 81-3-5957-1242