Rental Exhibition Space, A Business Planned and Operated by APU Students

(Oita Godo Newspaper, August 26th 2009, morning paper)

The students who are behind this shop are two students from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Nagai Shotaro (23) and Nagatomi Asami (23). The shop is renting space for artists in Oita, regardless whether they are professionals or amateurs, to showcase their masterpieces. Wishing that this shop could be the place to gather a collection of diverse art pieces, they chose a name for the shop. They chose a simple interior design with wood, hoping that the art pieces would be the ones to liven up the space.

In March this year, they participated in Business Plan Contest (sponsored by Oita City Club) to plan for an effective use of an unused space in the central part of the city. Mr. Nagai said "I have developed an interest in city revitalization, so with another fellow circle member we submitted an application for this business plan contest. Actually, looking back, we had never thought that we could own a space". Receiving help and assistance from Oita City, they eventually managed to open the shop.

Mr. Nagai said enthusiastically, "I have always liked art. In Oita, there are a lot of interesting artists. I want this shop to be taken advantage to present their art works. The shop will continue, as this is what we had plan to support the city revitalization of Oita. Even though only a little bit, I want to contribute to society.

The fee of the rental space depends on the size of the space, it is 500 Yen for a month. You can apply by coming directly to the shop or visit the official homepage (http://mosaic.pinkhotel.net)

Comment: This business idea is the application of the theories that APU students have learned in school. Their courage to open the business at such an early age and to take risks is admirable.

NUGROHO Katarina Marsha Utama

Indonesia

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, APM3