Atelier Yamanami

• EXHIBITION

Atelier Yamanami was formerly known as “Yamanami Welfare Workshop,” a welfare workshop for people with disabilities established in 1986 in Koka, Shiga Prefecture. In 1990, its focus shifted from subcontracted work to supporting creative activities. Inspired by a participant engrossed in drawing during a break, it began supporting self-driven self-expression through art. It focuses on respecting each participant’s individuality and independence rather than promoting social adaptation or productivity. Since its establishment, the number of members has grown from three to more than ninety.
Works produced at the atelier have been featured in exhibitions in Japan and abroad, and are included in the public collections at the Centre Pompidou and other museums. The atelier’s creativity-inspired activities continue to expand. These include the production of the 2018 film Jizolibido, documenting life and the production process at the atelier, as well as the opening of a gallery, café, and sweets shop within the atelier. It also actively collaborates with a wide variety of creators, for instance, the fashion brand Distortion3 that adapts paintings produced at the atelier into textile designs. Works are also applied to product packaging in collaboration with businesses.

EXHIBITION

HIGASHIYAMA AREA