Our history

Nani exists because it is the answer to the question of, ‘What would be one way we could form a network that would encourage each other to use our gifts in creative ways within our own communities to engage and shape culture through the arts?’.  In 2015, Peter met another artist and was encouraged to explore this question using his art background and talents in a more expressive way in Japan. It was through many talks, discussions and reading books that ideas started to form. 

Another major influence for Peter was to attend four art residencies.  Two were in India, one in Berlin and one in Cuba.  The first residency’s theme was how art could be used to give a voice to the poor that had no voice.  It was through this that Peter saw art impacting the community.  The second residency showed a model where art could be a way to benefit the community and help bring revitalization. The third residency was about mentoring artists and the importance of encouragement in producing works of beauty and excellence. Creating art without community is lonely. The fourth residency introduced Peter to an artist community in Cuba that was actively and passionately reaching out to others and helping building community. 

Through his experiences of networking with other artists and the influences of the residencies, Peter considered what important issues could art address in the Japanese community and Japanese society. 

Nani was created in 2018 to be a shelter for asking honest questions. The Nagoya Arts Network International exists because art invites questions. Nani is building a community. Our goal is to help each other find answers to the questions that art invites. We want to create art that seeks to be excellent, engaging and beautiful. Nani is building a network of artists and those interested in the arts that are domestic and international. We invite you to join us.