History of Idemitsu Art Award
Past history of Idemitsu Art Award
Scene from the first screening
The Idemitsu Art Award was established in 1956. At that time, the Japanese art world was often bound by established authorities, and there were situations in which works could not have the opportunity to be exhibited unless they received a certain level of recognition within an art organization. Under such circumstances, this art award, which is open to the public, was started with the desire to contribute to the development of domestic culture and art.
Since then, the names have been changed to “Showa Shell Sekiyu Contemporary Art Award (1996-2001)” and “Shell Art Award (2003-2021),” and the event has continued to be held.
Since 2012, the exhibition venue has been moved to the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi, and has been viewed by many people from Japan and abroad. In 2016, we received the Mecenat Award 2016 Excellence Award in recognition of our contributions to the development of the next generation, such as creating opportunities for young artists to present their works over many years and disseminating exhibition information.
Current status of Idemitsu Art Award
In 2022, the “Shell Art Award” was renamed to the “Idemitsu Art Award” and a new start was made. Even after the name change, the Shell Art Award continues to carry on the original idea of the Shell Art Award, and continues to be an art award for young artists that is based on a completely open application system. In conjunction with the name change, we have increased the amount of the Grand Prix prize and raised the eligibility for free submissions to those under 25 years of age, with the aim of further supporting young artists.
With “culture” that fosters spiritual richness as one of the core of our corporate citizenship activities, we will support the creation, challenge, and growth energy of those who will lead the next generation through the “Idemitsu Art Award”.