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In 1994, Kigyo Mécénat Kyogikai (KMK: Association for Corporate Support of the Arts) was granted the status of "Specific Public Interest Promoting Corporation (donors to this kind of corporation are entitled to tax credits) by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Under this unique status, KMK was able to facilitate corporate support to the arts by initiating the Arts Project Assistance Approval Program, which provides corporations based in Japan with tax-exempt advantages upon their donations to artists and art projects through our organization (In 2011, KMK became a Public Interest Incorporated Association, which allows the same tax credits). 

In this program, applications of art projects are examined and approved by the Program Subsidy Authorization Committee, a screening committee formed by specialists in the field of arts. Selection criteria include artistic and social merit, degree of contribution to public interest and awareness towards the arts. Upon approval of the applied art projects, financial supports negotiated between corporations and applicants will first be deposited to KMK, then full amount will be passed through to the applicants. Applications for this program are open to both organizations and individual artists. 

Arts Project Assistance Approval Program

KMK aims to contribute to a fundamental improvement of the cultural and artistic situations in Japan by providing information and bringing the artistic and cultural communities together with the commercial sector. 

To achieve this goal, KMK set up the Arts Project Assistance Approval Program, which is to promote private support to the arts by using tax benefit. This program facilitates private donations from corporations as well as individuals, to art projects approved by KMK. Those who want to raise funds by using this system can apply for the program. 

When this program started, only professional artists had been eligible to apply. However, the eligibility was expanded since summer 2002, so that more variety of art projects became eligible. As a result, more private donors can benefit from this system. 

The donations to the approved projects are sent to the artists or art organizations through KMK.  For corporate donors, donations made for a Specific Public Interest Promoting Corporation are separated from general donations. 

The total amount of this kind of donations can be calculated as non-taxable expenses up to the limited amount, which is calculated with the formula below:

Selection Procedures

The Program Subsidy Authorization Committee, which is made up of professionals in various fields of arts, examines each application and approves projects to support.

The committee meeting is held four times a year within three months from each deadline.

Selection Criteria

Selection will be made according to the following standards:

1. Artistic and social merit

Over all effect on the development of the arts, and degree of contribution to public interest and awareness toward the arts. Degree of creative influence within the arts community.

2. Preparation and planning

The Committee determines that the project has been sufficiently planned and that schedules, budget, etc., have been realistically drawn up and considered.

1. Obtain an application form (Japanese Only) by requesting us by email or Fax, or downloading from our website

2. Fill out the application form and prepare the documents needed following directions.

3. Send the application to KMK by post.

・There are 4 deadlines a year:

   20th January , 20th April , 20th July and 20th October .

Before applying to the APAA Program, please read the whole information of the program. 

Please note:

• KMK itself does not hold its own fund for arts support in this program.
• The program is not a "grant program."
• Before applying to this program, please make sure your eligibility.
• The application form and all procedures are Japanese only.