As we face the new century, humankind faces many complex issue and crises yet unknown to people. None of us is able to relax in the knowledge that we are safe or isolated from the problems of resources, poverty, war, or environmental destruction. Artists are only human. They feel the same sense of crisis about these issues and this has been the key to the convening of this small gathering in Kyoto.

Today artists find themselves in an unprecedented position of influence. However, artists sometimes find themselves involved in the competitive world of industry and unwittingly join those who amplify the problem and thereby they neglect it. Artists need to adopt a more humble stance and, while carefully reassessing their own work, should readopt a stance of responding to the demands of the age. Artists need to recognize "the other" and accept "the external".

The practice of the artist is listening and observing. In making art, we also practice expressions of social issues and responsibility. We, the artists of the first Artists Summit, Kyoto, call for greater solidarity and for a continuation of this forum.

November 20, 2005  Kyoto, Japan