Sunshine City's community space P-144 in Ikebukuro will host the fourth edition of "Kids = Artists - A Look Back on 2025" from March 3 to March 29, 2026. This collaborative exhibition showcases unique artworks created by children and professional artists through STUDIO201's creative education program.
About the Exhibition
The "Kids = Artists" program brings together local children from Toshima Ward (Ikebukuro area) and professional artists to create collaborative artworks. This marks the fourth time P-144 has hosted this exhibition since its first event in February 2023.
The exhibition will display and sell 16 collaborative artworks created in 2025, featuring pieces where children's free-spirited creativity meets professional artistic techniques. Visitors can also enjoy live painting sessions, workshops, and individual artist exhibitions throughout the event period.
What to Experience
Artist Exhibitions and Sales
The exhibition showcases 16 collaborative works from the "Kids = Artists" program created throughout 2025. During the event, visitors can receive original coasters featuring the event's artwork designs (while supplies last).
Individual Artist Exhibitions and Events
Three participating artists will hold individual exhibitions featuring live painting sessions and workshops. Admission is free for all visitors.
Window Art Installations
During each artist's exhibition period, P-144's entrance glass panels will feature unique window art created by the exhibiting artists, welcoming visitors with different artistic styles throughout the event.
The Creative Process
The "Kids = Artists" program combines children's workshops with live artist performances in a unique improvisational art-making process. Children create freely on canvases, which professional artists then enhance and complete into finished artworks.
These completed works are displayed in everyday locations like cafes and commercial facilities throughout the community, connecting people and the town through art. The program values not just the art itself, but the experiential value children gain from interacting with professional artists and participating in the creative process. All workshops are offered free of charge to ensure accessibility for everyone.
About STUDIO201 and Kids = Artists
STUDIO201, based in Ikebukuro since 2020, produces various creative activities with the mission of "creating a rich and tolerant society by sharing the value of individuality and diversity through creative activities." The organization currently focuses on the "Kids = Artists" co-education program centered on the keywords "children," "art," and "community."
The program aims to provide accessible art experiences in children's daily lives throughout Toshima Ward, while also expanding its reach beyond Ikebukuro. Following successful large-scale projects in Osaka and Osaki last year, STUDIO201 continues to develop participatory art projects that allow people of all generations to enjoy self-expression.
The Partnership Story
The collaboration between Sunshine City and STUDIO201 began in 2020 through the "IKEBUKURO LIVING LOOP" initiative, which aims to create a comfortable living room-like atmosphere in the Ikebukuro East Exit area.
When STUDIO201's first event was canceled due to rain, it was relocated to Sunshine City's "Sunshine City PLAYPARK" children's play area. Witnessing children's joyful participation, Sunshine City recognized the activity's potential to support children's growth and foster community attachment—values aligned with Sunshine City's vision for the neighborhood.
When P-144 opened in 2023 as a new community hub, the venue was chosen as the perfect location for showcasing STUDIO201's activities to a wider audience. This marks the fourth edition of the collaboration, with plans to continue the partnership in supporting children's learning experiences and community engagement.
Event Details
Period: March 3 (Tuesday) to March 29 (Sunday), 2026
Location: P-144, PAPILLON BLDG., 1-4-4 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
Content: Exhibition and sale of collaborative artworks created by children and artists, live painting sessions, and workshops
Admission: Free entry
Event Website: https://www.papillon-bldg.jp/news/632/
Note: Please check the event website for detailed schedules of individual exhibitions, live painting sessions, and workshops.
About P-144 / PAPILLON BLDG.
Operated by Sunshine City as a new community hub extending into the neighborhood, PAPILLON BLDG. opened in March 2023 after renovating and reducing a building in front of Ikebukuro Station's East Exit. The facility P-144 operates across all floors, combining a pub and event spaces.
Hours: 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Official Website: https://www.papillon-bldg.jp
Instagram: @p_144.Ikebukuro (https://www.instagram.com/p_144.ikebukuro/)
Event content and schedule are subject to change or cancellation.
