International Youth in Concert (Jul. in European Capital of Culture Vilnius 2009)

Workshop by Sonya Keogh (May 2009 in Tokyo)

The musical groups of Japanese young people sent to Europe by the EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee in the 1990's enjoyed international encounters with their musical counterparts and contact with a wide range of cultures.

Their valuable experiences in Europe provided a significant stimulus not only to their subsequent art activities, but also to their thinking in day-to-day life. The joys and impressions gained through music, and through meeting people from around the world, may well prove a treasure to these children throughout their lives.

This activity is consisted of two programs: International Youth in Concert and Art Program for Youth. It springs from the energy amassed over the years in our transnational network. We look forward to the further bonding of communities around the world, the extension of musical ties that are loose but genuine, and a continued contribution to raising the children who will be responsible for the 21st century.

Objectives:

1. Providing children and other community residents with the opportunity to enjoy superb, world-class performances.
2. Supporting youth art activities of high quality.
3. Supporting the formation of transnational networks as global citizens.

Operational Policies:

1. Operations to be led by executive committees comprised of local residents and artists.
2. Demonstrable fundraising efforts, reduction of the economic burden on participants and development of more open activities.
   And also, to realize the programs, try for independent activities with making fund-raising from private companies, public subsidies, and getting sponsorship by advertisement.

Time:

Throughout the year (Targeting local efforts to develop opportunities to avoid an overconcentration of programs with specific scheduling)