About Us
As a new initiative for art promotion,
the National Center for Art Research (NCAR) strives to become a
driving force in the sustained advancement of art,
improve the social value of art, and work toward a future in which
everyone has the ability to discover new values and potential through art.
Mission
Connecting, Deepening,
and Expanding Art
As the world’s social, economic, and political conditions have been undergoing drastic changes since the 21st century, the environment and values related to art and museums have grown increasingly diverse. Efforts to promote art are growing even more important as a means of creating a society that enables all people to encounter a wide range of perspectives, and experience richly nurturing ideas and emotions. While taking these global trends into account, the National Center for Art Research was established as a specialized organization – part of the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art Secretariat, which functions as a new initiative for promoting art in Japan.
Along with the other museums that are part of the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art, the National Center for Art Research primarily strives to forge links with a wide range of people throughout society, including those at Japanese and international museums, and research institutions, as well as establishing a platform for art promotion and disseminating information globally, while striving for sustainable development. In addition to conducting research in specialized fields, the Center endeavors to achieve greater functionality as a national center affiliated with the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art based on Japan’s art and culture promotion policies. Further, the Center is dedicated to enhancing the overall activities of the country’s museums by, among other things, compiling and disseminating information domestically and internationally, promoting the utilization of art collections, constructing a human network, and expanding learning programs.
The National Center for Art Research endeavors to become a driving force in the sustained development of art, improve the social value of art, and work toward a future in which everyone has the ability to discover new values and potential through art.
Four Key Areas of Activities
Utilization
of
Museum Collections
Cooperating with museums in Japan Heightening awareness and appreciation of art
Dissemination of
Information on
Art in Japan
Implementing the functions as an international center for research
International
Relations and
Networks
Elevating the value of Japanese art in a global context
Learning
Improving the social value of art
Cooperating
with
a Diverse Society
- The National
Art Museums in Japan - Museums and curators
in Japan and overseas - Institutions and
researchers in Japan
and overseas - Galleries
- Educators
- Companies
- Welfare professionals
and institutions
etc.
Publicize these activities widely to society,
and work to deepen art expertise
and foster greater permeation of art
Message from the Director
As the world’s political, economic, and social concerns grow increasingly complex and uncertain, the pursuit of inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability have emerged as urgent global issues that transcend any one field. At the same time, in the Asia-Pacific region, which has achieved remarkable economic growth over the last few decades, there have been an increasing number of opportunities to encounter art at museums, art festivals, and art fairs, and the nature of these activities has become increasingly diversified. These changes are also reflected in art and cultural exchanges and museum activities throughout the world, and today in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, measures to promote art in Japan are clearly entering a new era.
It has been 70 years since the first national museum of modern art was established in Japan. Due to global changes in art and museums, there is a need to take a strategic and long-term approach with a view to the next generation in order to connect art in Japan with the global art world, and expand these relations and develop them in a sustainable manner. The central role of the National Center for Art Research, launched as a part of the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art Secretariat, is to forge links with a host of different activities, which extend beyond the work of individual museums, advance art promotion in Japan, and create artistic and social value. The National Center for Art Research is poised to begin its work as a platform that at once strives to foster a greater permeation of art in society, while at the same time, deepening expertise in the field. As we reflect a wide range of views, and engage in learning and discussion, I hope to join with everyone in considering how we might best promote art in Japan.
Kataoka Mami
Director
National Center for Art Research
March 28, 2023
- Director
National Center for Art Research - Kataoka Mami
Photo by Ito Akinori
Kataoka Mami joined the Mori Art Museum in 2003, taking on the role of Director in 2020. While continuing this role, she was appointed director of the National Center for Art Research in 2023. Prior to this, she was researcher on cultural policies at the NLI Research Institute and inaugural chief curator at the Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery. Beyond Tokyo, Kataoka has held positions at the Hayward Gallery in London, where from 2007 to 2009 she was the institution’s first International Curator; she has also acted as Co-Artistic Director for the 9th Gwangju Biennale (2012), Artistic Director for the 21st Biennale of Sydney (2018) and Artistic Director for the Aichi Triennale 2022. Kataoka served as a Board Member (2014-2020) and the President (2020-2022) of CIMAM [International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art]. From 2018 to 2022, she also chaired the Contemporary Art Committee Japan, a staring committee of the Art Platform Japan, an initiative undertaken by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Kataoka has been a committee member and judge for numerous organizations and initiatives, including the Policy Subcommittee of the Council for Cultural Affairs and the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO.
Director’s Greeting and Introduction to NCAR’s Projects
（A part of a video recorded at a Press Conference on March 8, 2023）
Logo
The National Center for Art Research’s logomark and logotype, based on the letter “A” (for Art), express the Center’s links with people related to art and the development of art in Japan.
The National Center for Art Research’s mission is to cooperate with a wide range of people throughout society, including those at Japanese and international museums, and research institutions, as well as establishing a base for art promotion and disseminating information globally while striving for sustainable development.
To express this mission, the image embedded in NCAR’s logomark is derived from the biological phenomenon of a neuron (a nerve cell in a living creature) connecting with another neuron.
Red was chosen as the color of the logotype to create a vivid refreshing impression that also extends to an international arena.
Overview of NCAR
- Name
-
National Center for Art Research (NCAR)
- Office location
-
Kitanomaru Square (2F)
1-13-12 Kudan-Kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073
Access: Directly linked to Exit 3b of Kudanshita Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, and Toei Shinjuku Line
google map
The National Center for Art Research is not open to the general public.
If you would like to visit the Center, please contact us in advance.
In principle, those without an appointment will be refused entry.
- Contact information
-
TEL 03-6910-0244
FAX 03-6910-0756
- A Brief History of NCAR
-
- March 5, 2021:
- Preparatory Office for the establishment of an “Art Communication Center” (proposed name) was set up.
- June 22, 2022:
- Name of the organization changed to “National Center for Art Research” (proposed name).
- March 28, 2023:
- The National Center for Art Research was established.
The National Center for Art Research is part of the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art.
