The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Arts Council Tokyo, are launching "NEXTART," a human resource development program targeting working adults who wish to leverage their diverse experiences and skills in the field of arts and culture. Applications are now open for the program, set to commence in Fiscal Year 2026. In its inaugural year, the program will span a total of six days. Through lectures and site visits by experts and practitioners in contemporary art, living culture, public relations, and business, participants will explore the connections between their own experiences and the arts and culture sector, aiming to develop concrete ideas for their next endeavors. Features of "NEXTART ~Encountering Arts and Culture, Opening Up Your Career~" ● Deepen understanding of contemporary art from multiple perspectives through lectures, site visits, and participant presentations. ● Explore new possibilities for connecting with the art world by leveraging each participant's unique skills and experiences. ● Gain practical knowledge from instructors active in both the business and art fields. ● Foster interaction among instructors, facilitators, and participants through discussions and group work. Program (6 Days, 10 Sessions) Facilitator: Arts Initiative Tokyo [AIT], Ken Yorimoto Date & Venue Title & Instructor (Titles omitted) September 5 (Sat) 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Venue: Arts Council Tokyo 1. "Why is Art Necessary for Society?" Instructor: Tomoko Yabumae (Curator, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art; Visiting Professor, Musashino Art University) 2. "Discovering the 'Connections' Between Work, Life, and Art" Instructor: Roger McDonald (Arts Initiative Tokyo [AIT] / Director, FENBERGER HOUSE / Director, Tatsu'e Folk Art Museum) September 12 (Sat) 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo 3. "Museum Initiatives Expanding the Definition of Art" Instructor: Yukie Kamiya (Chief Curator, The Nationa