MISSION
Keith Haring, one of the most influential American artists of the 1980s, dedicated his life to using art as a powerful medium for engaging with society. Although his life was tragically brief, his impact endures. The Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, built from the passionate vision of Founder Kazuo Nakamura, is more than just a collection—it’s a living tribute to Haring’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering dialogue through art.
Amid the serene beauty of the Yatsugatake Mountains, our museum offers a space to deeply engage with Haring’s dynamic works. Here, visitors can experience the vitality of his art while reflecting on the societal challenges we continue to face today. We aim to spark conversations on pressing topics, from HIV/AIDS awareness and the stigma surrounding it, to sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights, peace, and freedom. Our mission is to inspire collective action and thoughtful discussion, creating a space that we proudly call “a museum for the next generation”—where Haring’s vision continues to inspire hope and connection.
PROGRAM
HIV/AIDS
Keith Haring devoted his life to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, continuing his activism until his passing due to AIDS-related complications. Our museum carries on this mission by sharing accurate information and raising awareness, especially around World AIDS Day on December 1. We also call for donations to support nonprofits that provide assistance to people living with HIV.
LGBTQ+
We actively participate in LGBTQ+ Pride Month and engage in vibrant discussions, including live streaming on platforms like Instagram. We also offer workshops and talks focused on DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) for businesses, collaborating with various organizations and exchanging knowledge. Our team actively participates in LGBTQ+ events throughout Japan.
KIDS
Keith Haring believed in the power of art to inspire the dreams and creativity of children. He held workshops and participated in art activities with children worldwide. In continuing his legacy, the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection offers a range of programs, including an annual drawing contest, workshops, and summer camps, where children can explore their creativity and express themselves through art. As part of our commitment, we emphasize art appreciation, creating an environment that fosters free expression and critical thinking, allowing children to engage deeply with the art they see.
SUSTAINABILITY
Our official YouTube channel features a Sustainable Development Goals series which focuses on sustainability—a topic Haring would have been passionate about today. This series, aimed at Millennials and Gen Z, features expert interviews and discussions among our team members. We also collaborate with other communities on environmental activities such as beach cleaning.
Watch the “What Are the Sustainable Development Goals, Anyway?” series on YouTube:
PEACE
Every August, we reflect on the importance of peace through Keith Haring’s art and special events. In 2024, we released Drawing Peace with Keith Haring, a workbook designed to help children explore the concept of peace and freedom through observation and creativity. This workbook has been distributed free of charge to schools and libraries across Japan. Additionally, we held a five-day workshop at the former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch, a symbol of peace in Hiroshima.
