Association for Corporate Support of the Arts. - Kigyo Mécénat Kyogikai

The Oita-Ken Credit Cooperative has hosted the Kenshin Art Exhibition since 1992 to promote art activities in Oita Prefecture, reaching its 32nd edition in 2023. This autumn art exhibition enjoys broad support across Oita Prefecture, from students to senior citizens. In 2014, it received the Social Contribution Award at the 51st Convention of Shinkumi Banks Association of Japan. Judging is conducted by three jurors, including the President of the Oita Prefecture Art Association, who select the Grand Prize and other awards. Additionally, the “Kenshin Doyukai Award” provided by the “Kenshin Doyukai” (a customer organization of the Oita-Ken Credit Cooperative), was established in 2017 with the goal of discovering and nurturing young artists. In recent years, the number of high school and university student exhibitors has increased, contributing to the exhibition’s rejuvenation while also serving as inspiration for veteran artists. Past Grand Prize-winning works are purchased by the Oita-Ken Credit Cooperative and are usually displayed in the executive offices on the third floor of our main branch. In 2020, the Oita-Ken Credit Cooperative held the “Kenshin Art Exhibition Special Exhibition” at the Beppu City Art Museum, marking the first time the exhibition was held at a public art museum. Beyond this, the Oita-Ken Credit Cooperative also loan out past Grand Prize-winning works from the Kenshin Art Exhibition for display at university gallery halls and private galleries, creating opportunities for residents to encounter the works of artists from within the prefecture.