The record of the International Workshop of Ceramic Art in Tokoname (IWCAT)

ForJAPANESE
Tokoname, our town, has a 900-year history and tradition of pottery. This summer, we're holding a pottery workshop here in Tokoname. Participants will stay with local families. Why don't you join us?
This is how the International Workshop of Ceramic Art in Tokoname (IWCAT) homestay program began by sending out flyers like this to countries all over the world.
In 1984, we were looking for a way to revitalize our town by connecting our local industry, Tokoname ware, with international exchange. The result was IWCAT, which was launched the following year, in 1985.
Starting as a volunteer-based initiative, this program went through many failures and much trial and error. However, with the support of many citizens, local government, and industry members, it continued to be held annually until 2011.
Through this program, we are proud to have contributed to the internationalization of our citizens and potters and to have built a network of potters around the world.
But more than that, we believe our greatest achievement was confirming that Tokoname's pottery is a valuable cultural asset that we can be proud of on a global scale.
This website is a record of the program from 1985 to 2011.

Overview of the Internaional Workshop of Ceramic Art in Tokoname(IWCAT)'s international cultural exchange activities

Name        : The Executive Committee of the Inernational Workshop of Ceramic Art in Tokoname
Known by    : IWCAT (ai dablju kaet)
Established : 1985
Ex-Office   : In Tokoname Chamber of Commerce & Industry   

Objective
To invite people from overseas with a passion for ceramics and, through artistic creation, deepen their understanding of Tokoname's pottery, 
allowing for mutual learning and growth. Additionally, through exchanges with citizens, to promote the internationalization and community development of Tokoname.

Activities
1. Hosting the International Workshop of Ceramic Art in Tokoname (IWCAT): 
   Every summer, approximately 20 potters from overseas are invited for about 40 days. 
   They individually create their pieces, which are then fired in a shared kiln. 
   This activity facilitates artistic discussions, deepens their understanding of pottery and the surrounding Japanese culture, 
   and fosters international cultural exchange at the citizen and local level, primarily through homestays.
2. Participation in Local Events: Involvement in community activities such as the Tokoname Pottery Festival and the Ceramic Path Festival.
3. Other International Exchange Activities: Participation in various international exchange events, sending executive committee members overseas, and dispatching lecturers for various talks.

Executive Committee
Composed of individuals who agree with the above objectives and activities and pay an annual membership fee. 
This group of about 40 people includes company employees, civil servants, university lecturers, homemakers, and students.

Organization
The organization consists of a General Meeting, which is the decision-making body, and an Executive Office and various subcommittees, which are the operational bodies.
General Meeting: Composed of all executive committee members. It is the decision-making body for approving officers, budgets and financial statements, 
amending rules and regulations, and implementing projects.
Executive Office: Responsible for general affairs of the executive committee and administrative procedures for the workshops.
Production Subcommittee: Plans the ceramic-making program for the workshops, sets up facilities, procures materials, and manages operations.
Homestay Subcommittee: Secures host families and handles the management of homestays, including communication and consultations for various events.
Exchange Subcommittee: Plans and manages activities to promote exchange among executive committee members, host families, and international participants.

Budget
Operating the workshops requires a certain budget for creating various documents, meeting expenses, purchasing materials like clay, and firing fuel costs. 
In 1997, the annual budget was approximately 4.2 million yen. 
This was funded by participation fees from international participants and grants from various organizations, including the city of Tokoname.

Participation Record
A record of the countries, regions, and number of international participants in the workshops.

Gallery/Resource Room
The International Ceramic Resource Room has been established within the Tokoname East Elementary School building. 
It displays works created by international participants and activity photos from the workshops, serving as a place for exchange among the general public.

Ex-kiln Location Map
A map showing the location of the kilns.

Awards
1989: International Exchange Promotion Contributor Award (Group Category) - Aichi Prefectural International Exchange Association
1992: Pachinko Pop Culture Award - Aichi Amusement Industry Cooperative Federation
1995: Furusato-zukuri Award (Group Category, Chief Cabinet Secretary's Prize) - Association for Creating the Japan of Tomorrow
1998: Regional Exchange Promotion Award - Japan Foundation
2000: Open-to-the-World City, Minister of Home Affairs' Award - Ministry of Home Affairs

Snapshots


Contact : The Executive Committee of the International Workshop of Ceramic Art in Tokoname (IWCAT)
E-mail : info@tokoname.or.jp