Broadening the definition of arts events in Japan

IFACCA/Artshub,
10 October 2002, Japan

The Japanese Arts Scene Monitor has reported that the Association for Corporate Support of the Arts (Mecenat), the independent body set up to decide whether arts events are worthy of receiving tax-deductible donations, has broadened its definition of an arts event to include media arts such as manga and anime. Mecenat has also loosened restrictions on arts events organisers, allowing not only full-time professionals, but semi-professionals too. At present, in Japan, if an arts event organiser would like to receive tax-deductible donations for an event it must first register that event with Mecenat. If the event meets the criteria it is issued an official ‘recognition’, after which time any corporation and individual who makes a donation to that event can receive a tax deduction. Whereas in the past only music, visual arts, theatre, dance and film events qualified, now media arts, literature, traditional and folk performance, and living arts (fashion etc) qualify too. The change corrects the initial anomalous omission of traditional arts and literature, but also reflects a growth in popularity of media arts events featuring such artforms as manga and anime.