Kizuna Gala
Friday, November 17th
Salvage One
VIP 6-7PM | GA 7-11PM
Tickets:
VIP: $150 | GA: $125
Early Bird GA through 10/17: $100
The Japanese Arts Foundation cordially invites you to our annual fundraising gala. Experience an evening of fine Japanese cuisine, spirits, and artistic performances and activations. Enjoy the beautiful space of Salvage One, and explore the concept of Kizuna, or ‘the enduring bonds between people’, through the work of the Japanese Arts Foundation community bringing to life the philosophy of celebrating the beauty of the arts that connect us all. The gala directly supports the efforts of the Japanese Arts Foundation and the vast work we do. Guests in attendance and at home are encouraged to participate in the virtual silent auction featuring gifts from our many partners.
The evening promises a night of fine Japanese cuisine, spirits, and artistic performances and activities while connecting to our diverse community of artists, thinkers, and makers. This fundraising gala directly supports our efforts to support the Japanese Arts Foundation and its broad community.
Last year we explored the art of kintsugi at our gala, and this year we highlight kizuna / 絆, or the enduring bonds between people—close relationships forged through mutual trust and support. Originally describing the rope used to tether domestic animals such as horses and dogs, the meaning of kizuna has evolved over the years. A passage in The Tale of the Heike, compiled in the 13th century, uses the term to refer to the bonds of love between a father and his children. More recently, kizuna has gone beyond bonds tying together family and close acquaintances; it is now used in a broader sense of human ties and connections. Of particular note is the kizuna born among people during natural calamities, which fosters feelings of solidarity and serves as the underlying strength to overcome hardships. As we find ourselves moving to a new side of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to highlight this concept that has already permeated our community. More information about the gala on our website.
An event like no other in Chicago:
Join us to celebrate a special evening benefiting the Japanese Arts Foundation, one of our city’s foremost cultural institutions. Proceeds from this event support the Japanese Arts Foundation’s mission of creating inclusive and equitable opportunity, education, and support of Japanese arts thriving in Chicago’s diverse community and beyond.
VIP Guests are treated to:
Private Sake tasting, intimate experience with artists and community, one of a kind gift bag with JAF surprises, and an extra hour of food, drinks, and entertainment.
Performances and activations by:
City Pop ft. DJ Van Paugam
Large Scale Shodo ft. Hekiun Oda
Kizuna Cranes ft. Ty Yamamoto
Taiko Ensemble ft. Tsukasa Taiko
Asian American Jazz Trio
Ikebana Arrangements
A silent auction FULL of amazing art, experiences, and prizes!
On the spot Suminagashi with Pam Martinez
A stunning Kizuna themed photo booth and much more!
FINE FOOD
Experience the tastes of Japan with bites from Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant, 2-D restaurant by chef Kevin Yu (Kyu), and Kamehachi, with additional food provided by Maison Cuisine and MORE to be announced!
IMMERSIVE PERFORMANCES
Enjoy an evening filled with live entertainment including, taiko, live large scale shodo calligraphy, live Jazz, city DJ Van Paugam’s City Pop set, and other immersive experiences.
SPECIAL COCKTAILS
Unlimited whiskey cocktails will be served by Suntory, with additional beverages generously provided by Marz Brewing, Mesh&Bone, Chicago TeaHouse, Vine Connections, and Konbini & Kanpai.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Explore Salvage One after-dark, dance, network, take photos with friends in our Kizuna themed photo booth, try your hand at suminagashi , floating ink, paper marbling to take home, and make Kizuna themed paper cranes with an origami artist.
SUPPORT A WORTHY CAUSE
If possible, kindly consider becoming a sponsor by viewing our sponsorship kit here. Alternatively you can send a check or wire transfer payments for gifts of $5,000+.
Please send payments to:
Japanese Arts Foundation
c/o Saira Chambers
2940 N. Lincoln Ave #2, Chicago, IL, 60657
Event Contact: Saira Chambers | schambers@japaneseculturecenter.com
