Hello, I’m Satomi Fukamachi, a Japanese-style painter.
This time, I’d like to share my visit to Artist Cafe Fukuoka, a consultation facility for artists located in the heart of Fukuoka!
Although it opened in 2022, many local artists might still be unaware of this hidden gem.
If you become interested after reading this article, you’ll discover that a facility supporting creative activities has quietly emerged right here in Fukuoka!
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Contents
- 1 A Sophisticated Logo in a Quiet Corner of Fukuoka
- 2 What Is Artist Cafe Fukuoka?
- 3 Artist Cafe Fukuoka Is Also a Space for Creating Art!
- 4 A Space for Both Creating and Exhibiting Art
- 5 Learn from Artist Goods Too!
- 6 Artist Cafe Fukuoka also has the art supplies you need for creative work!
- 7 Read and grow at Artist Cafe Fukuoka
- 8 Getting creative consultation at Artist Cafe Fukuoka!
- 9 Summary – I Got Creative Advice at Artist Cafe Fukuoka!
A Sophisticated Logo in a Quiet Corner of Fukuoka
Nestled beside Ohori Park, on the former site of Maizuru Junior High School, Artist Cafe Fukuoka stands quietly.
At first glance, the place gives off an academic and highbrow vibe that might appeal to elite international contemporary artists.
With its bold black-and-white logo, I mistakenly assumed it was a facility for musicians.
I never imagined it would be a space relevant to those of us in the visual arts.
In fact, I only became aware of its existence in February 2024, though it had apparently been around for a year or two!
I first noticed it while passing by and holding a city newsletter. That’s when I realized that Artist Cafe Fukuoka is actually a place supporting visual arts.
Until then, I had thought the site still hosted a noodle shop from Josuian!
Despite its somewhat exclusive appearance, this might be a surprisingly approachable space for artists.
So, I decided to return for a visit, this time with a reservation and a fresh perspective!
What Is Artist Cafe Fukuoka?
The main entrance is through “San-no-Maru Square,” which features a history museum and kimono rentals.
You can also enter directly from the large parking lot side into the cafe area.
After walking through the museum section, you’ll see the Artist Cafe Fukuoka sign.
Flyers for exhibitions and painting classes line the hallway on the right.
You’re greeted with colorful and cute signs too—
like this adorable blue cat!
Behind the sign is the entrance door, with a board explaining the facility’s mission.
A community space that connects art, people, and the city, supporting artists and fostering a society where art circulates naturally.
We aim to create a place where artists can grow and thrive, and where more people can enjoy and support artistic expression.
Would you like to flip your personal creative “switch” here with us?Switch on. With art.
https://artistcafe.jp/
A Retro Feel and an Inviting Interior
The doors preserve the atmosphere of the old school building.
You might wonder if it once displayed slogans like “Close the door after opening,”
but it seems safe to open—so I did!
Artist Cafe Fukuoka Is Also a Space for Creating Art!
Despite its bold exterior, the inside is a beautiful, calming wooden space.
This stylish area is free to use as a coworking space or even as a studio for artists.
Free Wi-Fi is available, and the window seats have power outlets—perfect for working on your laptop.
At regular coworking spaces, you’d pay about 2,000 yen per hour, so having this for free is amazing!
There are plenty of seats too!
There’s Even a Cafe Inside!
At the back, you’ll find a café where you can enjoy coffee and light meals.
Since it’s connected to the coworking area, you can easily grab a coffee during breaks—what a luxury!
Note: It’s cash-only, so make sure to bring cash with you.
Check Tateto Cafe’s Instagram for their open days.
※Operations will end on March 9, 2025.
A Space for Both Creating and Exhibiting Art
Contemporary art by registered artists lines the walls.
This space also serves as an exhibition area for registered artists.
It’s beneficial not only for the artists but also for potential collectors and supporters looking to connect with them.
Since exhibitions rotate, you can look forward to discovering new artists each time.
Here’s a display of 3D art—
it blended perfectly with the atmosphere, almost like waiting for a Disney attraction.
Learn from Artist Goods Too!
Next to the art, you’ll find artist-designed merchandise!
T-shirts, eco bags, stickers—full of fun ideas that make you want to create your own.
Even coffee cans with artwork on them!
There are several designs available, including those featuring the works of Ms. Chisato Tanaka, whose art is exhibited at the Fukuoka Art Museum.
These are delightful products that allow you to take home your favorite artworks with ease!
You can also enjoy viewing the works of registered artists who are not currently exhibiting, through the merchandise.
A variety of styles are on display.
I want to observe them closely and absorb all the details for my own growth as an artist.
There were also brochures available about Artist Cafe Fukuoka!
Although not included in this post, there was a calendar listing upcoming events and lecture information as well!
For event details, please be sure to check the Artist Cafe Fukuoka official website!
It seems like there are lots of academic discussions too!
If you’re craving serious art talk, let’s go together!
Artist Cafe Fukuoka also has the art supplies you need for creative work!
You can buy the materials you want right here!
And guess what?
You can even purchase art supplies directly at Artist Cafe Fukuoka!
There were rows of Turner products (presumably).
I spotted acrylic gouache, “U-35” acrylic paint, gesso, mediums, and fabric paints.
It’s so nice to be able to grab the tools you’re interested in after chatting with other artists!
Definitely a motivation booster for your creative practice!
Read and grow at Artist Cafe Fukuoka
And here’s the most surprising part:
Their book collection is incredible!!
Yes—Artist Cafe Fukuoka’s library is seriously impressive!
They have issues of “Bijutsu Techo” lined up, which immediately shows this place is built with artists in mind.
Personally, I was deeply moved by their book choices:
✅Not from a consumer’s perspective
✅Not focused on handicrafts
The absence of typical “how-to-draw” books was amazing.
Some might find this intimidating, but I truly believe it’s a meaningful experience that can shift your worldview.
“In Praise of Shadows” and “Fushi Kaden” are essential reads to deepen your understanding of Japanese aesthetics.
Many of you may have at least seen Alain’s “System of the Arts” at some point…
It’s worth visiting just to read these books!
There were so many titles I hadn’t read yet—I need to go back!
At Artist Cafe Fukuoka, you’re free to read, enjoy tea, interact with others, and get work done.
It really is a precious place that supports creative activities.
Getting creative consultation at Artist Cafe Fukuoka!
Mr. Tsushima’s solo exhibition space, where I had my consultation The most impressive feature at Artist Cafe Fukuoka is this system:
You can consult with senior artists about your creative work!
By filling out a Google Form（Currently not accepting applications due to a change in management.）, you’ll be matched with an advisor suitable for your needs and get your concerns addressed.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of advisors in many genres.
From international expansion and art entrepreneurship to legal advice, this is a place where you can easily say, “I want to do this, but I don’t know how!”
I think solo artists often hit walls the more they move forward—sometimes exploding dramatically, sometimes hitting a critical success.
The amazing benefit of this consultation system is that it accelerates the journey from “struggling and blowing up” to “breakthrough.”
It’s perfect for shortening the time spent fumbling around with “I want to, but I don’t know how…”
As someone who tends to power through things without overthinking, I found it incredibly helpful to have a space to clarify specific actions.
How to book a creative consultation at Artist Cafe Fukuoka
To get a creative consultation at Artist Cafe Fukuoka, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. (*Note: the café area does not require reservations.)
Click “Consultation for Artists” on the official website and submit the form.
Consultations are available in-person or online, so no worries if you’re far away!
It’s a bit long, so I recommend using a PC to fill it out.
- Email address
- Consultation topics (quoted from the form):
Future planning [how to start activities, creating portfolios, etc.] - SNS/website [branding, promotion, etc.]
- Overseas development [strategy planning, etc.]
- About production [techniques, concept development, etc.]
- Workspaces [studios, residencies, etc.]
- Exhibition/announcement spaces [galleries, open calls, etc.]
- Display methods [specific installation ideas, necessary equipment, etc.]
- Workshops [how to run them, how to be a lecturer, etc.]
- Events [live painting, art fairs, etc.]
- Sales methods [how to sell artwork, make merchandise, etc.]
- Gathering audiences [marketing, direct mail, etc.]
- Entrepreneurship [freelance basics, going independent, etc.]
- Funding [startup capital, grants, subsidies, etc.]
- Legal matters [copyright, contracts, etc.]
- Able Art [art by people with disabilities, etc.]
- NFTs and digital developments [what NFTs are, digital art business, etc.]
- Artistic connections [finding collaborators, building networks, etc.]
- Career paths in the arts [schools, professions, etc.]
- Use of ACF space [exhibiting, creating in-house, etc.]
- Collaborating with ACF [registering in their database, sponsoring, etc.]
- Supporting artists [curation, funding, etc.]
- Providing space for exhibition/creation [by businesses, municipalities, etc.]
- Wanting to purchase works [by businesses, individuals, public institutions, etc.]
- New business ideas [corporate projects related to art, etc.]
- Business inquiries [from companies, artists, etc.]
- Others
- Name (and phonetic reading)
- Artist name / business name
- Phone number
- Online or in-person preference
- First to third choice of dates
- [For first-time users only:]
- Gender, age, address, nationality
- Work history
- Years of activity
- Awards received
- Exhibition experience
- Other relevant background
- Social media links
- How you heard about ACF
- Media interview consent, etc.
They carefully review your submission and match you with the best advisor for your needs.
After arranging the date, you’ll receive a confirmation email—your reservation is complete!
Get excited and look forward to your consultation day!
Worried about being judged when seeking advice at Artist Cafe Fukuoka?
I’m afraid I might be criticized when asking for advice about my art…
It’s natural to feel nervous meeting someone for the first time—but don’t worry! There was absolutely no scolding or negativity.
This time, I was advised by Takashi Tsushima, a popular artist who even works with overseas fashion brands!
He mainly works on Instagram and kindly and thoroughly explained how artists can manage their social media presence.
Getting specific, real-world advice one-on-one from someone with actual experience was an invaluable opportunity.
What stood out most was that the conversation focused not on surface-level techniques, but on the mindset behind creative practice—truly precious.
If you’re interested, I highly recommend requesting a session with Mr. Tsushima at Artist Cafe Fukuoka!
(Posted with his permission!)
Later, we were able to talk again at his solo exhibition. The sense that “just having a consultation can lead to meaningful new relationships” is something you can only experience at Artist Cafe Fukuoka.
Summary – I Got Creative Advice at Artist Cafe Fukuoka!
Thank you for reading to the end.
That was my firsthand experience visiting Artist Cafe Fukuoka!
While consultations require an appointment, you can drop in to Artist Cafe Fukuoka without one.
Whether for a break, work, reading, or meeting people— it’s a great space where you can enjoy and explore art!
Of course, visitors from outside Fukuoka are welcome too!
Click here to book a consultation!
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Conclusion First: It Was a Wonderful Space!