Azumino

CODE: NICE-25L-AZ01

Work:

Volunteer will 1) Prepare, assist and finalize the daily work of the members for their weaving, pottery, drawing, etc. including making things in the atelier (e.g., dyeing plants and trees, setting up weaving machines, etc.), 2) Support for the art event conducted by mentally challenged adults together with community members and artists (Event is scheduled to be held in various locations to produce large paintings in a field using soil as paint under the guidance of a picture book artist.), 3) Maintain and prepare the art event venues and ateliers, including fields and warehouses and 4)) Possibly support the exhibitions or selling the art products depending on the period of the volunteer's stay.

Accomodation and food

Volunteers will sleep in the tatami (Japanese traditional carpet) rooms of a separate house near the office of White Canvas. Meals will be cooked by volunteer her/himself (lunch will be often prepared with the host). There is a shower room, a kitchen and wifi. Bicycle can be available.

Location and leisure

Location: The project is located in Azumino-city, Nagano pref.; foothills of the Northern Alps of Japan. 189 km north west from Tokyo, 150km north east from Nagoya. It is famous for beautiful nature as well as the fresh, tasty fruits especially, apples! There are no shops nearby. Leisure: Exchange parties, hot spring, excursion on a free day, etc.

Project hosted by

This project is actively working for SDGs 10 (Reduced Inequalities), organized together with NPO WHITE CANVAS since 2024, a Non Profit Organization to empower mentally challenged people through the power of art. It was established by Kyoko who was a very active members of NICE with a lot of workcamp experiences in Togo, etc. and the company who had been working with her. Then more members joined when the workshop was about to open. They organize the workshop TIME WARP that is a workplace for adults with special needs for weaving, pottery, small garden and embroidery work. They all love art and craft, having big interests on humans. They don't stick in specific philosophies, but anthroposophy is one of their guides. They work and study together with a certified anthroposophical doctor, nurse, curative pedagogists and Extra Lesson practitioners.
*Outcome of this workcamp: In 2024, 6 vols. from 4 countries gathered for the first short term international workcamp and greatly contributed to cut the glasses, friendly exchange with the challenged people and assist the activities/ events!

Directions to meeting point

Additional comments

Study theme: Discussion on activities in the volunteer's home country and local art brut/ outsider art Participation fee: 18,000 JPY (113 EUR by the rate on 2025 Feb. 14th) per month of NICE Volunteers fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation and coordination such as the transportation of the camp leaders while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free. Odd days are counted as one month (e.g., 45 days are counted as 2 months). Other: Website of White Canvas https://npowhitecanvas.wixsite.com/love/services-9