On 2 April, a mobile art exhibition and gallery talk was held under the theme of " Housing for the Elderly and Art" at Aria Shoto, a home for the elderly run by Benesse Style Care Co., Ltd, a COI member company.

Tokyo University of the Arts’ (TUA) COI Site is trying to further the role of art in social infrastructure development. This initiative is part of a joint study on the art’s role within a good “Quality of Life” (QOL) in anticipation of a super-aging society which is fast approaching.

Prior to the first session, we had already placed some of the "Clone Cultural Property" produced by the TUA COI Site in the entrance. The residents and their visitors were seen sharing their memories of the past and their knowledge of paintings with staff of the nursing home.

On the day, the common room was full of people including the residents, staff from the Benesse Style Care, and the neighboring facilities. First, Sub Project Leader Junji Ito and Takashi Fukai, both professors, gave a briefing about the oil paintings and 3D images from Musée d'Orsay, using the high-definition "Clone Cultural Property" reproduction, which was created by TUA COI Site. Next, Hidetoshi Namiki, a researcher in the Research on cultural sharing group, explained the significance of "Clone Cultural Property" in a clear manner, and talked about his dream of simultaneously realizing "preservation" and "public viewing" of cultural properties around the world which are deteriorating due to age and being damaged for other reasons. In the talk session, every participant, regardless of old age, listened attentively, touched the works to see the texture, and then spoke fluently about the memories of the past during the tea time that followed, which was very impressive.

Beginning with this kickoff event, we plan to continue developing unique initiatives and research in the future.