4. Exhibition "Empowering Society Through Art"

Art to Live has introduced the work of individuals whose creative expression is directly connected to their way of living, framing it within the context of contemporary art and aiming to expand its social recognition. To this end, the project has hosted three in-depth programs to date: a public awareness exhibition, an international symposium, and a curated exhibition. Additionally, Art to Live has conducted research on the work of artists with disabilities in Osaka Prefecture, photographing their pieces and presenting them on its website as part of the Art to Live online archive.

This event will showcase the project’s ongoing initiatives and archived works, alongside examples of active cross-disciplinary collaborations—centered around art—being carried out by welfare facilities and organizations across Osaka Prefecture.
These collaborations span a wide range of fields, including graphic design, fashion, food and beverage, architecture and interior design, as well as workshops and exhibitions. When considering the relationship between art and disability, one important perspective is that the characteristics associated with certain disabilities can manifest as distinctive personalities or keen sensibility in artistic expressions—sometimes becoming a unique strength. The collaborative projects featured in this event are prime examples of initiatives that draw out and build upon those strengths in creative and distinctive ways.

Artworks born from a careful observation of and deep respect for everyday actions and expressions. Designs that bring out the charm of these works, along with new forms of collaboration that have emerged from them.
As you encounter these creations, take a moment to reflect on the contexts in which they were born, the sparks of inspiration that led to these joint efforts, and the passion of the many people involved in bringing them to life. Doing so not only deepens your understanding of the artists themselves but also offers a chance to broaden your perspective by engaging with the thoughts and experiences of people from diverse backgrounds—perhaps even inspiring new ideas for building a better world.

And if you find yourself inspired by this experience, please consider the possibility of collaboration within your own field. We hope this event will serve as a catalyst for that.