How to Learn about Creativity and Expression in Today’s Information-Based Society

CANVAS is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2002 to create a place for children to use new technologies to create and express themselves, as well as connect with children from all over the world.

CANVAS puts a lot of emphasis on thecooperation among industry, government, and academic institutions. For the workshops we hold all over Japan, we work together with people from all different areas, including affiliates of museums and science centers, school workers, university researchers, artists, company employees, local representatives, cabinet members, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. In general, we work primarily in researching and developing new programs and tools, which also helps increase the popularity of our workshops.

In the past, workshops referred to places where a teacher would pass on his or her knowledge to attendees, but now workshops are known as places where attendees can learn and create. Workshops were primarily used by performers, musicians, and artists, but by the mid 90’s, they also became places where citizens could meet to improve public policies.

CANVAS now supports the creation of various workshops and introduces these workshops to the public. Some of the many workshops available include creating animation with the newest digital equipment, creating newspapers, programming, DJ remixing, songwriting, and web design.