Creative Experiments in Urbanism

CCBT: a Hub of Social Experimentation in Tokyo Led by a Group of Citizens and Artists

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, which operate Civic Creative Base Tokyo [CCBT] (hereafter CCBT), have concluded a partnership agreement with Ars Electronica, a cultural institution in Linz, Austria, which has been working to connect art, technology, and society for about 40 years. Ogawa Hideaki, an internationally active member of Ars Electronica, was appointed creative director of CCBT in April 2023.

Ogawa remarked, "CCBT is neither a museum nor a gallery. It is a hub for citizens and artists to gather, utilize art and technology, and conduct social experiments in Tokyo. It makes us redefine Tokyo and explore a multitude of 'futures,' using the city as a testing ground for these futures."

Exploring Ways to Implement Advanced Technology through Art

Ogawa continues, "I believe that art has the power to raise questions and create dialogue with people and society. Rather than simply consuming technology that evolves every day, how do we give meaning to it through the power of art, and how do we install the resulting innovations within the society of Tokyo? CCBT is the platform that tackles such questions."  

Programs Connecting Citizens, Artists, and Government

One of CCBT's core programs is the Art Incubation Program, in which five creators selected from the public each year become partners of CCBT in creative activities and openly share their processes with society through workshops and exhibitions.

In 2022, the project included an urban exhibition showcasing XR artworks in Shibuya, as well as Future Tokyo Undokai (Sports Day), in which people, from children to adults, collaborated to create a one-of-a-kind sports event. In addition, under the theme of "underground space," skateboarders explored a giant underground regulating reservoir and other locations, exhibiting works that captured civil engineering and architecture from the street perspective. In 2023, 141 applications were received, and the five selected CCBT Artist Fellows have begun their respective activities.

"CCBT aims to create art not for the white cube (a contemporary art term for exhibition spaces in museums and galleries), but for the transformation of the city, to create art for society. Daring to incorporate art with a critical nature within the administrative system, we will work with citizens to develop strategies and policies to solve urban issues. Each project can be thought of as a major urban experiment involving society."

The many experiments that CCBT is engaged in will provide insights and opportunities for innovation that can be applied in other cities. Expectations are high for the role that CCBT will play in making Tokyo a global hub for digital creativity.

Ogawa Hideaki

Creative Director of CCBT. Based in Linz, Austria since 2007, where he works with Ars Electronica, a world-renowned cultural institution for art and technology, as an artist, curator, and researcher. Currently he is co-director of the Ars Electronica Futurelab, the research and development arm of the group. In addition, he is involved in international projects, including serving as the director of Sapporo International Art Festival 2024.