1. Supporting Various Life Stages

Our aim is to understand the environment in which artists and art workers are placed, and respond to their needs.

– 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

Given the high number of freelance workers in the industry, we are committed to respecting their rights and creating an environment where they can work comfortably and sustainably. 

– 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.
– Implementing communication guidelines for CRAWL, our program for art workers (organizers), to ensure that participants feel comfortable throughout.
– Reflecting the voices of BUG Art Award finalists and judges in the final program.

3. Providing Career Support

We create a space where artists and art workers can truly push themselves, and help them connect with future opportunities.

■ 【For Artists】 Host the BUG Art Award
Throughout the application and final screening process, we will provide opportunities for participants to gain various skills and experiences. We also give artists the chance to work with installers, other finalists, and the BUG staff, with the intention of supporting artists in building their careers.

– We will offer several lectures, covering subjects including  portfolio creation and writing artist statements.
– 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 proceed with scheduling in a way that minimizes pressure on artists and curators, reaching out well in advance of the exhibition period to allow ample time for contemplation.  
In terms of the production budget, we provide artist and curation fees, as well as production costs for new works, in addition to covering exhibition set-up costs. Furthermore, we collaborate with artists to help them make their career visions a reality.

– 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.
– 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.
– We cover the production costs needed to create new works.
– By helping artists gain experience in selling artworks (from pricing and packaging methods to sales documentation), we aim to expand their career options.

■【For Art Workers】 Support the careers of art workers*
We share the work of art professionals widely, providing opportunities for skill development and network building.

– We run the CRAWL program to connect organizers across various fields and nurture their professional growth.
– We host workshops and events that advance art workers’ careers.

*Museum and gallery staff members, and freelancers in the field of art.