Founded in 2012, the mission of Azuki Foundation is to offer cultural experiences to those with little access to quality arts and cultural events.  The founder and director of Azuki Foundation, Akiko Yanagisawa, was aware that arts events she normally organises at arts venues exclude many people in the community in which she lives. Azuki Foundation was formed to bridge this gap. Azuki Foundation works closely with local authorities and community-based organisations to reach out to people who are not culturally active due to lack of experience, poverty, education, and/or background.

Since November 2013, we have delivered over 150 workshops and events for community in Islington, Camden and Hackney.

Working with professional workshop leaders, community centres, and local people, we have created tailored programmes which have received highly positive feedback from people involved. Many said our programmes bring people together and confer a great sense of achievement through new challenges. In 2021, we plan to outreach to people beyond London.

“I don’t know how it happened now. But a couple of years ago the Akuki Foundation made contact with Alsen Day Centre, but for us it has been a marriage made in heaven. Their projects is steeped Japanese culture which has been very interesting for our service users.”  (Lloyd Coombes MBE, Manager of Alsen & New Park Day Centres)

“The Bon dance and Noh movement as well as Ayatori and Otedma workshops encouraged older members to participate in gentle movement which was particularly beneficial to those who are generally inactive.  It also provided some entertainment and insight into Japanese culture.”  (Katie Clark.  Over 55’s Programme Manager, St Luke’s Community Centre)

 “The Japanese Arts and Crafts workshops were extremely well organised. The team had excellent communication skills, a creative way of working, fantastic content in the workshops and a sensitive and productive way of working with the participants. The members from the Azuki Foundation were professional and efficient with Claremont staff, co-ordinating clearly with us and building strong relationships. I would highly recommend the Azuki Foundation. ”  (Dr Claire Marshall Clinical Manager & Centre Manager Claremont Project).

Download Power point presentation here.