Written by Sumiko Kumakura

One phrase I often hear in my involvement with the Corporate Philanthropy Council is "lack of culture." I understand this to mean the absence of a contemporary art scene in one's surroundings and immediate environment. However, it is inherently implausible for individuals to live entirely unrelated to culture. Local festivals, greetings, and even karaoke are all part of "culture." Yet, it is a fact that many people become reserved the moment this word is mentioned. So, the question of how to address the situation where "cultural arts" are unconsciously pushed away into the distance becomes crucial when considering the relationship with corporations.

Until the mid-1990s, I sensed a determination to value cultural arts even at the cost of societal criticism in corporate activities. What about now? Unfortunately, the economic stagnation has led to a loss of the luxury to prioritize the ambiguous realm of culture. Recently, there has been a growing focus among corporations and executives on "contemporary art," perhaps driven by the expectation that it may provide some kind of "answer" in navigating complex times. There is a demand for a certain utility, anticipating that some breakthrough can be found within the realm of "unknowns." This expectation is based on the premise that logical answers can be derived. However, it's crucial to question whether this approach is the right one. When entangled with a sense of obligation or legitimacy, it can quickly become uninteresting. After all, what is referred to as "art" should be more personal and inherently challenging to comprehend.

The "unknown" nature of art cannot connect with society without translation. When art is considered "something for a few people," it's because that translation isn't functioning. Recently, there is a trend where this translation is seen as inherent in the artist's skills, almost implying that "art that communicates" is the correct form. This is not necessarily a welcomed perspective. As expectations from society increase, one would hope for new translators to emerge. It's anticipated that these individuals might come from local small and medium-sized enterprises or perhaps from personal initiatives rather than from within large corporations, similar to the trend in the 1990s.