Social Contribution Initiatives MHD Artists Scholarship Program

2022-09-09

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo K.K. has continuously supported the activities of the non-profit organization Able Art Japan since 2017, and in 2020 launched the MHD Artists Scholarship Program as a direct support program for the artists. In 2022, the third year of the program, 16 artists applied for the scholarship, and six were selected as winners, including the first-place winner of MHD's "Recommended" Art Award, which was voted by MHD employees.

The award winners have already started their creative activities. Able Art Company supports the cost of art materials, solo exhibitions, and workshops necessary for the further development.

・Works: https://ableartcom.jp/kamijo-mika/

・Application details:

I would like to hold a solo exhibition and exhibit my new works. Also, I would like to broadcast the exhibition on YouTube.

・Reason for award:

Because Ms. Kamijo was able to propose a new form of solo exhibition through YouTube, despite the difficult circumstances under pandemic. Another major reason was that she has applied the award for three consecutive years starting in 2019.

・Works: https://ableartcom.jp/kobayashi-hironori/

・Application details:

The tablets and computers I am currently using are becoming obsolete. I would like to try creating works on an iPad Pro, which allows me to draw more finely and in greater detail.

・Reason for award:

Because we are expecting great things from him in the digital field, and we would like to see his artwork with more detailed drawings on the iPad Pro. Another reason was that it came in a second place which is really close to the first place in the in-house "Oshi" Art Poll.

・Works: https://fukushima.hajimari-archives.com/archives/artists/hondatadashi

・Application details:

I would like to have edamame and radish grown in four locations across Japan with the cooperation, etc., and the process of growing them will be filmed. And I would like to create works

inspired by communication with the people who grew the edamame and radishes and present them in my first solo exhibition.

・Reason for award:

This art activities involves other members and the simultaneous projects in multiple areas is very interesting. Also, it is expected to have a positive impact on others and is expected to expand in the future.

・Works: https://note.com/goodjobproject/n/n536609d25dc1

・Application details:

We would like to make a presentation and conduct an experimental approach by combining digital and art, such as animated images and XR (virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Alternate Reality), etc. After that, we would like to challenge the NFT art.

・Reason for award:

Their promising activities in the digital field and their new initiative, NFT Art, which is very interesting.

・Works: https://ableartcom.jp/hata-mikiko/

・Application details:

I would like to rent a gallery in Osaka for about 10 days to hold a solo exhibition of selected original paintings that I have created over the past 30 years since becoming disabled.

・Reason for award:

The first place in the in-house "Oshi" Art Poll. And a lot of people sympathized with her comment in the application, “I want the viewers to enjoy the work, forgetting about the current difficult social situation and worldly affairs”.

・Works: https://ableartcom.jp/yamamura-akihiro/

・Works: https://ableartcom.jp/nakamura-mayumi/

・Application details:

Production of original sticky note. We would also like to motivate artists by manufacturing products and return sales as income.

・Reason for award:

The support will lead to support for Artists, and also can be expected to expand to a large number of artists in the future.

The presentation of the 2022 Scholars' work will take place in the fall, connecting MHD offices across the country online.

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo will continue to support the activities of Able Art Japan.

[Able Art Japan] http://www.ableart.org/

[Able Art Company] https://www.ableartcom.jp/

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo K.K.

2025-07-04

Building an Inclusive Society Through Art: Our Partnership with Able Art Japan

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo has been fostering a collaborative project with the nonprofit organization Able Art Japan since 2017, under the pillar "Engaging Our Society" of our sustainability manifesto, Living Soils, Living Together.

As part of this initiative, we launched the “MHD Artist Scholarship Program” in 2020 to support artists with disabilities in expressing themselves through their art. Our goal is to broaden opportunities for creative expression and celebrate their talents as a society.

From July 4 to 31, we held the “Office Museum” exhibition at our Jinbocho headquarters and regional offices across Japan, showcasing works by six scholarship artists. The vibrant artworks brought our office spaces to life, offering employees fresh perspectives and inspiring creativity.

On July 5, we hosted a “Family Day” event at the Jinbocho office, welcoming employees, their families, and the artists. The event featured a hands-on tufting workshop led by artist NPF_kazuko (Kazuko Shuto) from Minamisanriku. Participants collaboratively crafted a rug, enjoying the textures of materials and freely mixing colors, while sharing smiles and conversation in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

By bringing together artistic passion and our support, this initiative nurtures and lays the foundation for a society where differences are embraced, and everyone has the opportunity to shine. MHD remains committed to connecting people and society through art and promoting respect and opportunity for all.

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo K.K.