BUG is an art center* run by Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd., and opened its doors on September 20, 2023.
Drawing on our experience of operating “Recruit’s Two Galleries” in Ginza for over 30 years as part of our CSR activities, we are committed to providing an open space where a diverse range of visitors, including students and those who have gone out into society, people from abroad, and of course, artists and art workers**, can encounter new perspectives, people, and concepts.
Furthermore, we place high value on cultivating a relationship of trust with the artists and art workers that we collaborate with in each exhibition and event—fostering new opportunities and creating an environment where individuals can challenge themselves to the best of their ability. We are committed to improving working conditions and practices within the art industry, with the aim of fostering a sense of security for individuals to pursue their activities over the long term. As we embark on this new endeavor at BUG, we will act in accordance with the following directives.
*This conveys our dedication to not only host exhibition projects, but also support artists— creating a space where various people come together through art and mutually influence each other.
**Museum and gallery staff members, and freelancers in the field of art.
Our three activity directives
1. Supporting Various Life Stages
– When organizing events, we will make every effort to arrange schedules that allow for a balance between childcare and caregiving responsibilities.
– When inviting artists who are raising children to take part in talk events or exhibitions, we will assess their childcare needs and provide appropriate support (i.e., covering expenses for babysitters during setups that have to take place on Sundays or evening talk events).
– For the BUG Art Award, eligibility is based on years of experience, rather than age. Artists with less than 10 years of creative experience are eligible to apply, and each applicant is free to define “creative experience” as they see fit. Applicants also have the option to exclude any gaps in their creative activities due to childbirth, medical treatment, caregiving, or the like.
– In order to promote participation, artists and art workers residing outside of the Greater Tokyo area and its three neighboring prefectures are reimbursed for their travel costs (when using public transportation).
2. Ensuring Appropriate Partnerships
– Setting appropriate compensation for artists and curators.
– Providing explanations of contracts and confirming terms prior to entering an agreement.
– Ensuring that contracts are finalized before carrying out work, and including clear provisions in the contract which detail each party’s rights, including copyright, as well as remuneration and production expenses.
– Securing insurance coverage to address potential injuries or other issues concerning artists and art workers during the operation of exhibitions.
3. Providing Career Support
■ 【For Artists】 Host the BUG Art Award
– Open to artists who have worked for less than 10 years, the award supports artists’ growth through the screening.
– The 20 semi-finalists (which may include artist units) who have passed the first screening receive feedback from each of the judges. We also offer lectures and consultation meetings about setting up and holding exhibitions.
– Those asked to judge the award are individuals who are capable of offering support and advice to artists from a familiar standpoint, joining us in paving the way for a new generation. Judges also stand in alignment with BUG’s mission and are enthusiastic about shaping this new award together.
■【For Artists and Art Workers】 Organize Exhibitions
– We introduce a range of artists with different experiences and careers through the exhibition format. Moreover, we present artists’ concepts and unique dedication to their work through discussion events and other endeavors aimed to share their work more widely.
– In order to enhance career opportunities for artists, we provide them with experiences selling their work.
– Through the sharing of exhibition information in Japanese and English, as well as the production of interview videos, we hope to accumulate a substantial archive.
■【For Art Workers】 Support the careers of art workers*
– We run programs for network building and talent development among art organizers who work across various genres.
– We strive to build networks for young critics and provide a space to present their ideas.
– We host workshops and events that advance art workers’ careers.
*Museum and gallery staff members, and freelancers in the field of art.
