HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORKSHOP 06-19-89AGEN-DA
DATE:
~lJ.12e ~4~ 2989
FROM:
William A. Huston, City Manager
Administrative Servioes Department
~UBJECT: "LIVING TREASURES" PROGRAM
WORKSHOP
6:00 P.M.
6-19-89
CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM
Inter- Corn
e
RECOMMENDATION:
Pleasure of the City Council.
BACKGROUND=
Council directed staff to research the Japanese program, "Living
National Treasures." This term refers to the men and women in the
fields of traditional crafts and performing arts who have been
designated "Bearers of Important Intangible Cultural Assets" by the
government. These designations are part. of a government plan
administered by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to preserve and
pass on to future generations cultural skills necessary for the
preservation of certain traditional arts. The first list of 31
persons designated by the govern~eunt for 28 categories of skills
was published in 1955; the public immediately transferred the word
"Kokuho," meaning national treasure, from the 1929 law referring
to the preservation of important objects to the individuals named
in this first list. The Japanese public has used this term ever
since, despite protest from the government and the designees
themselves that the program is designed not to honor individuals,
but to ensure that certain traditional skills will be transmitted
for future generations.
Only those performing arts and crafts deemed to be of outstanding
artistic and historical worth are considered. Although crafts and
performances that preserve strong regional characteristics are
given special consideration, they are usually honored by
designating groups rather than individuals.
To be considered for the honor of "Living Treasure" (Ningen
Kokuho), a person must display skill and artistry that is
traditionally and technically correct. In the field of crafts,
the objects-produced must fall within the definition of a craft,.
rather than an art object, and therefore must have a functional,
not merely decorative value. The designation then results from an
indefinable balance of artistry, technique, historical position,
and even personality.
Page 2
A candidate is proposed by the Committee for the Protection of
Cultural Assets, which is appointed by the Agency for Cultural
Affairs. To follow up a proposal, the agency initiates
investigations and is advised by a committee of examining experts
for either crafts or performing arts. Responsibilities for the
final choice lies with the Ministry of Education and it is the
Minister himself who presents the list to a full Cabinet meeting
for approval; the designation is made by the national government
and is therefore a national honor.
The honor carries with it responsibilities as well as ~istinction
and acclaim. A stipend is granted annually to enable the "Living
Treasures" to maintain a high level of skill and engage in the
training of others. The Japanese "Living National Treasures"
program serves to provide honors and incentives for traditional
crafts people and performers and to focus the attention of a large
segment of the Japanese public on its rich national cultural
heritage.
As Council will recall, at the time that an inventory of historical
people and places was created, the recommendation was to name
streets and parks only for people who have passed away. Thus began
the discussion regarding the most appropriate way to honor the
living. Councilman Prescott mentioned the Japanese "Living
National Treasures" program; however, it would appear that the
Japanese-program has more to do with promulgating performing arts
and folk art than with acknowledging individuals for their
contribution to any specific co~Tm~nity. Many communities have
special awards for people who make an outstanding contribution,
such as the Chamber of Commerce Man and Woman of the Year. Many.
communities have done as Tustin has done and created an inventory
of historic people and places. Some communities have created very
stringent criteria for people who have made an outstanding and
lasting contribution to the community; however, these types of
awards tend to be more "exclusive" and may result in only one or
two individuals being nominated per year.
At this workshop, Council should discuss what criteria if any the
Council wishes to provide for the City of Tustin's Living Treasure
program. Staff has proposed that the purpose of the program be to
honor individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the
special and unique Tustin "quality of life" and to acknowledge
these people while they're still living. Should Council concur
with this purpose, then Council can go on to discuss criteria.
For example, does Council wish to limit this award to residents?
Does Council wish to have a formal nomination process through a
citizens committee to the Council? Does Council wish to do this
several times a year or once per year? Is Council interested ih
honoring people in all kinds of categories, such as civic,
historic, service, creative, educational, environmental, et cetera?
Page 3
Does Council wish to provide some award such as a plaque or a
proclamation?
..
These questions would be appropriate for Council to address during
this workshop.
Royl~en~. White, Director
Commu-TrT%y and Administrative Services
RAW:kd